K-State Extension Douglas County hosting free program on prescribed burning, wildfire safety and land stewardship

K-State Extension Douglas County invites residents to learn how fire shapes our landscapes and how to protect lives and property from wildfires from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 14, at Flory Meeting Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St.

This program explores fire as a management tool, covering prescribed burning, wildfire risk reduction and practical steps homeowners can take to live more safely with fire. Participants will gain a better understanding of when fire helps, when it threatens and how thoughtful planning can protect people, property and ecosystems. 

Each year, Douglas County fire departments respond to hundreds of wildfires. In the state of Kansas, wildfires regularly cause widespread damage to property, injuries and sometimes fatalities. According to fire officials, 95% of wildfires result from the activity of people.

Event highlights Include: 

• 9 a.m. – Sharon Ashworth, K-State Extension – Douglas County, Welcome and presentation of the Land Stewardship Assistance for Douglas County Guide.
• 9:15 a.m. – Andrew Rutter, Baker University Wetlands & Discovery Center, Using prescribed fire as a tool for vegetation and wildlife habitat management.
• 10 a.m. – Shawna Hartman, Kansas Forest Service, Wildfire Prevention Starts with You; Tips on how you can protect your home and property from wildfire.
• 10:45 a.m. – Jessica Layton, president, Kaw Valley Prescribed Burn Association: Prescribed Burn Associations; Benefits of working in community.
• 11:30 a.m. – Visits with agencies and businesses involved with wildfire protection and prescribed burning, including Douglas County Emergency Management.

This event is free, but you must register. To register visit https://bit.ly/living-fire-26 or for more information on this event contact Sharon Ashworth at sashworth@ksu.edu 

For more information on outdoor burning regulations visit https://www.dgcoks.gov/outdoorburning