Chapter 277

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 1625 A Concurrent Resolution providing for the extension of the state of disaster emergency proclamation commencing February 22, 1996, addressing prohibitions of careless use of smoking materials; building, maintaining, attending or using fires or campfires; and pre- scribed burning of fence rows, fields, wild lands, ravines, trash and debris.

WHEREAS, In accordance with K.S.A. 48-924 the governor shall be responsible for meeting the dangers to the state and people presented by disasters; and

WHEREAS, The grassland and croplands of Kansas form an impor- tant part of our economy, provide for protection of watersheds, forage for livestock, and refuge for wildlife and recreational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Wildfire endangers these resources, real and personal property and the lives of residents and visitors in those areas; and

WHEREAS, Extremely dry and windy weather conditions have cre- ated an extreme fire hazard in the grasslands and croplands of Kansas; and

WHEREAS, Fire departments across the state have reported an in- ordinate number of fires; and

WHEREAS, Once started, these fires are difficult to control and strain both paid and volunteer fire departments' manpower and resources; and

WHEREAS, The fire danger is extreme across the state of Kansas; and

WHEREAS, The dry conditions and fire danger will continue una- bated until sufficient rainfall occurs in the state of Kansas: Now, there- fore,

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas, the House of Rep- resentatives concurring therein: That the Legislature of the state of Kansas pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 48-924 ratifies continuance of the state of disaster emergency proclamation signed by the governor on February 23, 1996. [j82]House March 8, 1996 [j82]Senate March 6, 1996