BUTLER COUNTY —A controlled burn got too close to the Kansas Turnpike late Thursday. The Kansas Highway Patrol shared a midnight view from Master Trooper Zeller and Trooper J. Hill of fire at milepost 84.8 south of the Cassoday exit in Butler County.
Kansas weather has been crazy the last week with mid-80’s, blizzard conditions, high winds, wildfires, and more. It’s not uncommon to see controlled burns along the turnpike in the spring though. The smoke can create challenges for drivers, so please remember the following safety tips.
When driving into smoke, turn on your headlights (low-beams). Never use high-beams. Slow down and adjust your speed to the visibility. Increase following distance between vehicles in anticipation of sudden stops or changes in traffic. Do not stop in a travel lane. Find a safe place completely off the roadway and away from other vehicles if you stop.