photo by: Richard Gwin/Journal-World File Photo

In this file photo from March 2016, a land owner conducts a controlled burn on property northwest of Lawrence.

Because of the high fire risk and recent grass fires, Douglas County officials have issued a burn ban beginning Tuesday for the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.

Douglas County Commission Chair Shannon Portillo signed a burn ban for March 9-15 for the unincorporated areas of Douglas County following recommendations from Douglas County Fire District chiefs, according to a county news release. The release states that following several days of responding to multiple grass fires, county firefighters need the opportunity to recover and repair equipment.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday for Douglas County, which means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, dry fuels and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop will be very difficult to control and will likely spread rapidly.

Additionally, the Rangeland Fire Danger Index had Douglas County listed in the “extreme fire danger” category on Monday, meaning that fires can start quickly, spread furiously and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious, and all outdoor burning should be avoided.

The release states that as long as conditions meet the Douglas County Outdoor Burning Resolution guidelines, burning will be allowed on March 16. According to Douglas County Emergency Management records, 2015 was the last time a seven-day burn ban was issued. As the Associated Press has reported, Gov. Laura Kelly issued an emergency disaster declaration Monday because of a high risk of fires this week due to weather conditions.