More than a decade ago, a study by a Kansas Forest Service fire prevention specialist identified several areas in Reno County as “high hazard” areas for wildfires because of the number of cedar trees and other accumulated deadwood. … There have been fire mitigation efforts in recent years, including controlled burns along road rights-of-way and efforts to educate the public about how to protect their homes. But the results have been limited, due to the continuing spread of invasive red cedars and widespread public apathy, officials said. “Reno County is losing a battle against woody plant encroachment, causing high fire danger,” Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar advised the Reno County Commission during a study session Tuesday on wildfire mitigation. “While there are many ways to mitigate the risk of wildfire, the most successful would be the prioritization of fuel reduction.”
Source: Hutch News
