LINCOLNVILLE – Sunday afternoon, firefighters responded to a 600-acre wildland fire near Lincolnville.
Chance Hayes, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service Wichita, spotted the fire using satellite thermal imagery on Sunday. Hayes was monitoring satellite feeds from the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service Group – a subsidiary of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
“Once we recognize a hotspot, we can use our software to drop a pin on that location. That will send out a text to all the individuals in that county that want to be notified of a possible wildfire,” he said.
Hayes said from the time a hot spot is detected and pinned by data-watchers to the time an alert goes out is typically one to two minutes. Hayes said data-watchers can drop pins on potential fires with an accuracy of just a quarter-mile from a wildfire.
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By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Planning key for storm safety This marks Severe Weather Awareness Week Pictured is wind damage that occurred in Hoisington. The Barton County Commission Monday morning approved a proclamation marking this as Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Statewide storm drill today
The Kansas statewide tornado drill is scheduled for 10 a.m. on today with the sirens sound in Barton County as well.
Citizens are encouraged to participate safely while following local health and safety guidelines, then they are asked to consider participate by sheltering-in-place or discussing sheltering options/plans with co-workers and/or family members, said Emergency Manager Amy Miller.