Why there is a smoky smell and haze in Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — People in Wichita are starting to smell smoke and notice a hazy sky. The smoke is coming from a controlled burn east a couple of counties east of Wichita.

Sedgwick County dispatchers are getting several calls about the smoke. Dispatchers tell KSN the fire is southeast of Latham, near the junction of Butler, Elk, and Cowley counties.

The smoke is blowing into southwest Butler County and eastern Sedgwick County.

KSN Chief Meteorologist Lisa Teachman said the smoke, aided by the southeast flow of wind, has reduced visibility and air quality.

Butler County Fire District #3 posted a “Drifting Smoke Advisory” on its Facebook page:

“Due to a large prescribed burn south and east of Butler County, there is a lot of smoke drifting northwest through the county. “We are aware of the smoke, and there is no need for alarm.”

Sedgwick County Fire District 1 also mentioned the smoke on its Facebook page:

“There is heavy smoke coming from the southeast corner of Sedgwick County and moving northwest. The cause of the smoke is due to a controlled burn in a neighboring county. “Sedgwick County Emergency Communications (9-1-1) is aware of the situation.”

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