Updates on fires and Nebraska's air quality
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Department of Health, the Douglas County Health Department and support from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are providing the latest forecasts and information regarding the impact prescribed fires and wildfires have on air quality. There are a multitude of variables that factor into any smoke advisory prediction: the weather, the number of acres being burned and the fuel load on those acres, to name a few. A news release will be provided on the DHHS website when air quality impacts are anticipated. Additional information can be found at the Flint Hills Smoke Management Association web page Smoke Model forecast.*
In 2018, Nebraska DHHS announced a public smoke advisory system which was developed in coordination with NDEE, Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department and Douglas County Health Department. In each subsequent year, DHHS has issued news releases about the activation of the system: "Smoke Advisory System Activated for 2023 Flint Hills Prescribed Burns." *
Updated information: As of April 10, 2023, there has been one smoke advisories issued by DHHS and NDEE. The most recent advisory was issued for Monday, April 10, through Wednesday, April 12. A press release can be viewed on DHHS's website: "Update: DHHS/NDEE Extends Smoke Advisory For Eastern Nebraska." This webpage will be regularly updated when smoke advisories are issued in the 2023 burn
AirNow: For current conditions of Nebraska’s Air Quality and tomorrow’s forecast, go to NDEE’s link to federal AirNow web site pages:
. Smoke Outlook
(This information was last updated, April 10, 2023.)
Tuesday, April 11: Surface high pressure east of Kansas will generate moderate and gusty south-southwesterly winds. While these winds will aid dispersion, they will also carry smoke from potential fires in the northeastern and central Flint Hills into Topeka. During the evening hours, these winds will transport additional smoke into Topeka from potential fires in the south-central Flint Hills.
Wednesday, April 12: Moderate and gusty southerly to south-southwesterly winds will persist, carrying smoke from potential fires in the eastern and south-central Flint Hills into Topeka. Additionally, these winds will transport smoke from potential fires in western Chase County into Omaha, Nebraska, during the evening hours.
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Daily and Weekly Updates: To view daily updated maps and forecasts in the Flint Hills region, select Access Smoke Model.* The Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management website also provides summary updates that are posted weekly through the prescribed burn season. Click here to view Weekly Updates from Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management. *
Smoke Awareness in Nebraska: For more information about burning activities in Flint Hills and their potential impacts in Nebraska, visit NDEE’s main Smoke Awareness Page
Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan: For more detailed information about the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, go to www.ksfire.org. *
Facebook Connection: Frequent updates can also be found at the KS Flint Hills Smoke Management Facebook page. NDEE also posts frequent air quality updates on its Facebook and Twitter pages during prescribed burning season. *
* This document contains links to non-NDEE websites; these links will open in a new tab or window.