Dept. of Environment issues warning as wind, wildfire debris kicks up dust in Kansas
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued an air quality health advisory on Friday night due to high winds blowing wildfire debris east across the state.
KDHE described the wind system responsible for the dust as low-pressure but strong, according to a Friday news release. Scattered wildfires are currently burning in Oklahoma and eastern Kansas, bringing dust and smoke into the air from both states as well as Texas, according to KDHE and the National Weather Service.
The NWS warned on Friday evening that Kansas residents might smell smoke and face reduced visibility on the roads. Some winds reached speeds of 60 mph Friday evening, the agency reported.
The Kansas Department of Transportation shut down several roads on Friday night due to blowing plumes of dust.
The colliding weather events are expected to cause poor air quality across Kansas, with Air Quality Index scores ranging from unhealthy to hazardous, according to KDHE. The department encourages residents to wear a mask or stay indoors depending on their level of sensitivity; to stay hydrated; and to contact their doctor if they experience respiratory symptoms.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 8:13 PM.
