KANSAS FIRE MARSHAL

TOPEKA – The Office of the State Fire Marshal has released its annual “Fires in Kansas” report based on reporting to the Kansas Fire Incident Reporting System by fire departments throughout the state. The statistics presented in this annual report were for calendar year 2015. The report highlights the significant role the Kansas fire service plays in protecting lives and property of the citizens of the state.

According to this report, incidents of almost every type of fire were reduced between 2014 and 2015, with the exception of vehicle fires.

The most common type of fire was “Vegetation Fire,” and incidents of this type of fire reduced from 8,414 in 2014 to 7,188 in 2015. The second most common type of fire is “Structure Fire,” and there were 488 fewer structure fires in 2015 than in 2014 (3,660 in 2015 compared to 4,148 in 2014).

“Knowing the whens, whys, wheres and hows of fire in Kansas enables our brave firefighters to more intelligently attack the problems of fire in Kansas,” said Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal. “Our agency equips fire departments across the state with the information they need to be increasingly intelligent in how they protect the lives and property of Kansans.”

Wildfires

During 2015, vegetation fires accounted for nearly 48% of all fires. Kansas vegetation fires are mostly small, with 80% of vegetation fires burning less than 10 acres. Fire departments reported a loss of 110,690 burned acres in 2015, a significant drop from 2014 during which 189,514 acres was burned.

One in five vegetation fires are caused by a controlled burn (1,382 in 2015) and most of these occurred during Spring with 812 in March 2015 alone.

The overwhelming majority of wildfires in Kansas are caused by humans. Only 3% of vegetation-related fires are attributed to fully natural causes. Prescribed burns, poorly maintained vehicles/equipment, and heat sources being used in a flammable place or in an unsafe manner are all common ways that wildfires get started.

Structure Fires

Kansas is well on its way to reducing structure fires. There was almost an 11% decrease in structure fires during 2015 alone. Residential fires have accounted for 71-76% of structure fires during the past 15 years. In 2015, 72% of structure fires were residential fires.

The most common fire cause is cooking, with one in three home fires in Kansas being cooking-related. Cooking fires in 2015 caused a reported loss of $1,656,086. Alcohol, drugs and sleepiness are causes for cooking fires year-round. Impairments and sleeping were involved in 28% of fatal cooking fires over the last 15 years.

Homes with children pose an increase in fire risk. Unsupervised children cooking in the kitchen caused 98 fires in 2015. Since 2001, 1,639 cooking fires started with unattended children resulting in 93 injuries.
Equipment-caused fires were the second most common type of structure fire in 2015. Clothes dryers and water heaters are major culprits in starting this type of fire.

There are special areas of concern when it comes to fire safety in apartment buildings. Families in apartment buildings live close together, affecting each other’s risks associated with fire. Landlords and tenants alike have a role to play in maintaining a fire-safe place to live. In 2015, multi-family dwellings accounted for a total of 19.4% of residential structure fires in Kansas and they accounted for a statistically higher 32.6% of cooking fires. A full 55% of multi-family dwelling fires are cooking-related.

Balconies/porches are the top area of origin for smoking fires. Multi-family dwellings have a larger problem with 37% of smoking fires happening on a balcony or porch. Often, these fires are caused by smoking materials discarded into potted plants or mulch. Both are flammable and cause smoldering fires.

The Fire Service and EMS

While the incidents of fire calls were reduced, the number of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) calls increased by 9,372 reported calls in 2015. Increasing EMS calls is a continued trend in the shifting workload of our Fire Service.

The full “Fires in Kansas” report is available for download at FireMarshal.ks.gov<http://www.FireMarshal.ks.gov>.

EPA

WASHINGTON, D.C.–The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule Dec. 21 amending its Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations to reduce the likelihood of accidental releases at chemical facilities and improve emergency response activities when those releases occur. This rule is the latest in a series of actions the federal government has taken in consultation with industry, local and state governments, and other stakeholders to improve chemical process safety, assist local emergency authorities in planning for, and responding to, accidents, and improve public awareness of chemical hazards at regulated sources.

“This rule is based on extensive engagement with nearly 1,800 people over the last two and a half years,” said Mathy Stanislaus, EPA’s Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management. “These changes are intended to protect the lives of emergency responders and the public, while preserving information security.”

This rule will help prevent chemical accidents, such as the explosion in West Texas in 2013, and their devastating effects. While numerous chemical plans are operated safely, in the last 10 years more than 1,500 accidents were reported by RMP facilities. These accidents are responsible for causing nearly 60 deaths; some 17,000 people being injured or seeking medical treatment; almost 500,000 people being evacuated or sheltered-in-place; and more than $2 billion in property damages.

The Accidental Release Prevention regulations under Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) – also known as the EPA RMP regulations – require covered facilities to develop and implement a risk management program. EPA shares RMP information with state and local officials to help them plan for and prevent chemical accidents and releases.

The amendments to EPA’s RMP regulations are a key action item under President Obama’s Executive Order (EO) 13650, Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security. While developing and finalizing the rule, EPA met with stakeholder groups, solicited public comments, held listening sessions and webinars, and considered extensive comments on the proposed rule.

The amendments are intended to:

• Prevent catastrophic accidents by improving accident prevention program requirements
• Enhance emergency preparedness to ensure coordination between facilities and local communities
• Improve information access to help the public understand the risks at RMP facilities
• Improve third-party audits at RMP facilities

For more information about the final amendments to the RMP rule:
http://www.epa.gov/rmp/final-amendments-risk-management-program-rmp-rule

EPA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to ban certain uses of the toxic chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) due to health risks when used as a degreaser and a spot removal agent in dry cleaning.

“For the first time in a generation, we are able to restrict chemicals already in commerce that pose risks to public health and the environment,” said Jim Jones, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “Once finalized, today’s action will help protect consumers and workers from cancer and other serious health risks when they are exposed to aerosol degreasing, and when dry cleaners use spotting agents. I am confident that the new authority Congress has given us is exactly what we need to finally address these important issues.”

EPA identified serious risks to workers and consumers associated with TCE uses in a 2014 assessment that concluded that the chemical can cause a range of adverse health effects, including cancer, development and neurotoxicological effects, and toxicity to the liver.

Specifically, EPA is proposing to prohibit manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce of TCE for use in aerosol degreasing and for use in spot cleaning in dry cleaning facilities. EPA is also proposing to require manufacturers, processors, and distributors to notify retailers and others in their supply chains of the prohibitions

EPA’s assessment also found risks associated with TCE use in vapor degreasing, and the agency is developing a separate proposed regulatory action to address those risks. Last week, EPA announced the inclusion of TCE on the list of the first ten chemicals to be evaluated for risk under TSCA. That action will allow EPA to evaluate the other remaining uses of the chemical. Today’s action only proposes to ban certain uses of the chemical.

Comments on the proposed rule must be received 60 days after date of publication in the Federal Register.

Once published, the proposed rule and supporting documents will be available Federal Register docket at: https://www.regulations.gov/ by searching for HQ-OPPT-2016-0163.

Learn more about TCE: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/trichloroethylene-tce

KDWPT

PRATT – Kansas Wildlife and Parks Magazine, a bimonthly, subscription-based publication of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, will publish winning entries from the 2016 Wild About Kansas Photo Contest in the 2017 January/February photo issue. This year’s judges reviewed 213 submissions from 113 photographers of all ages and skill levels, providing a tough job for the panel of five. After much deliberation, 39 entries were selected to be published in the magazine’s special photo issue.

Photos were judged based on creativity, composition, subject matter, lighting, and overall sharpness. Categories included wildlife, outdoor recreation, landscapes, other species, and hunting and fishing. The 2016 results are as follows:

ADULT

Wildlife

1st: Tony Pianalto, “Majestic”

2nd: Kevin Fruechting, “Twin Toms”

3rd: Chuck Gibson, “Hummingbird”

Honorable Mention: Frank Orth, “Screech Owl”

Outdoor Recreation

1st: Chenoa Casebier, “Sleeping Under The Stars”

2nd: Jeff Doggendorf, “Dry Rattlesnake Creek Riverbed”

3rd: Kayla Borell, “Rise To Wake”

Honorable Mention: Rick McPherson, “Frostbite Regatta”

Landscapes

1st: Robert Dilla, “Sunset Through The Keyhole”

2nd: Tim Wood, “On Konza Prairie”

3rd: Nicki Tomlinson, “Autumn Reflections”

Honorable Mention: Chuck Gibson, “Lovewell”

Other Species

1st: Jaci Novak, “Snack Time”

2nd: Mary Mejia, “Honey Bee At Sunflower”

3rd: Chuck Gibson, “Frog”

Honorable Mention: Rick McPherson, “Bison At Maxwell Refuge”

Hunting and Fishing

1st: Dale Benedict, “Spring Turkey Opening Day”

2nd: Clarence Maedgen, “Breaking Ice”

3rd: Tony Pianalto, “Rooster”

Honorable Mention: Kristin Vinduska, “My Retirement Plan”

YOUTH

Wildlife

1st: Isaac Schultz, “Buddy”

2nd: Solomon Schultz, “Cute”

3rd: Madison Larson, “Groundhog”

Honorable Mention: Lily Schultz, “Lily Frog”

Outdoor Recreation

1st: Madison Larson, “Watching Fireworks”

2nd: Elly Gossard, “Sisters Exploring”

3rd: Isaac Shultz, “Family Time”

Honorable Mention: John Walker, “Nice Shot”

Landscapes

1st: Johanna Walker, “Cider”

2nd: Yazmin Adams, “Fun Under The Sun”

3rd: Elly Gossard, “Calm Lake Day”

Honorable Mention: Cloey Kennemur, “Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay”

Other Species

1st: Lily Shultz, “Gathering”

2nd: Kieren Shultz, “Big”

3rd: Corley Becker, “Resting Frog”

Honorable Mention: Johanna Walker, “Blending In”

Hunting and Fishing

1st: Ashley Fields, “Crappie Bait”

2nd: Kieren Shultz, “Peaceful”

3rd: Solomon Shultz, “Fishin’”

To subscribe to Kansas Wildlife and Parks Magazine today and start receiving Kansas’ premiere outdoor magazine, call (620) 672-5911, or visit ksoutdoors.com/Services/Publications/Magazine.

Details on the 2017 contest will be made available on ksoutdoors.com in early spring.

CEP

HUTCHINSON–Kansas is ripe with potential for promoting energy efficiency. In a recently released report conducted by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) out of 51 states Kansas ranks #48 (4th to last place). Thanks in part to Kansas City Power & Light’s investments in energy efficiency programs, Missouri ranks among the most improved states moving from spot 44 in 2015 to spot 32 in 2016.

KCP&L’s energy efficiency programs include education for consumers on how to use less energy, rebates and incentives for customers who invest in energy efficiency upgrades, and programs for low-income residential customers. These proposed programs for Kansas originate from KCP&L’s successful experience implementing them in Missouri.

“We feel the programs proposed by KCP&L, which will bring more energy efficiency programs to our state, are an important opportunity for Kansas to join other states who are making energy efficiency a priority,” Climate and Energy Project Executive Director Dorothy Barnett said in a news release.

The Kansas Corporation Commission has opened a docket to consider the proposed energy efficiency programs for Kansas customers. The hearing date for the docket is currently being postponed till March 2017.

“This is good news as it allows us more time to submit public comments,” Barnett said.

“We have made submitting public comments to the Kansas Corporation Commission as streamlined as possible by updating our webpage with key points that can be worked into a letter and have a sample template that can be used. We can also collect comments on your behalf from this webpage (www.tinyurl.com/KCPLEE).

“We hope Kansans will take time to consider sharing your comments with the Kansas Corporation Commission,” she added.

OFFICE OF SEN. MORAN

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama signed U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act into law on Wednesday. The bipartisan legislation (S. 3183) will end duplicative practices of “ticket bots” that monopolize tickets for entertainment events.

“Before I introduce legislation in the Senate, the most important question I ask myself is whether it would improve the lives of Kansans and Americans,” Sen. Moran said. “The BOTS Act does just that – it levels the online playing field and makes ticket prices fairer so a greater number of everyday folks can go to that big football game, see the musical in town, or attend a concert their son or daughter is longing to see. I appreciate the support of the president and my colleagues in Congress to get this done in a bipartisan manner.”

Wichita’s Intrust Bank Arena General Manager A.J. Boleski added, “This bill is a step closer in helping make the purchase of tickets more fair to all of those fans going to shows. Preventing BOTS allows patrons in Kansas equal access to ticketing inventory. We greatly appreciate the steps taken by Senator Moran to introduce and get this bill passed in the House and the Senate.”

Sen. Moran serves as chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security Subcommittee. He convened a Consumer Protection Subcommittee hearing in September that included testimony from ‘Hamilton’ producer Jeffrey Seller, Big 12 Conference Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, and representatives from StubHub and Ticketfly.

OFFICE OF U.S. ATTORNEY

TOPEKA – U.S. Attorney Tom Beall announced today that the District of Kansas collected more than $6.1 million in criminal cases and civil actions in federal fiscal year 2016. Of this amount, $3.7 million was collected in criminal actions and $2.4 million was collected in civil actions.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.

The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.

OFFICE OF SEN. MORAN

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) visited Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., and NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, Fla., this week to tour and discuss the role of the facilities in the future of aerospace. Sen. Moran is a senior member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which has oversight over NASA, and is a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee responsible for determining budgetary priorities for the U.S. Air Force.

“I appreciated hearing more about the priorities and missions of the Air Force and NASA, especially as it informs my work on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and discussing ways we can work together to ensure more Kansas students receive a STEM education and can find jobs in aerospace and aeronautics,” said Sen. Moran.

At Cape Canaveral, Sen. Moran toured the launch vehicle processing facility and United Launch Alliance site and was hosted by Brigadier General Wayne Monteith, commander of the 45th Space Wing for the visit. At NASA, Sen. Moran toured the EM-1 Orion multi-purpose crew vehicle and vehicle assembly building, commercial crew and cargo processing facility, mobile launcher, and launch pads A & B.

He was joined by Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana and Wichita State University National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) Executive Director Dr. John Tomblin, who Sen. Moran invited to participate as a representative of Wichita’s aerospace community.

“It was impressive to see firsthand the innovative research and launch operations conducted by Director Cabana and his team at NASA,” said Dr. Tomblin. “I appreciated the invitation from Senator Moran to join him on his tour of NASA’s world class facilities and share my perspective in discussions related to NIAR’s research and development efforts in Kansas. Senator Moran’s leadership in aerospace and STEM education continues to be a driving force behind our state’s role as a leader in scientific exploration, manufacturing and workforce development.”

EPA

Lenexa – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing standards for applicators who apply restricted-use pesticides that are not available for purchase by the general public, and require special handling.

“We are committed to keeping our communities safe, protecting our environment and protecting workers and their families,” said Jim Jones, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “By improving training and certification, those who apply these restricted use pesticides will have better knowledge and ability to use these pesticides safely.”

Monday’s action will reduce the likelihood of harm from the misapplication because the pesticides may only be applied by a certified applicator or someone working under their direct supervision. EPA’s stricter standards would require all people who are certified to apply restricted use pesticides to be at least 18 years of age. These certifications must be renewed every five years.

EPA is requiring specialized licensing for certain methods such as fumigation and aerial application that can pose greater risks if not conducted properly. For further protection, those working under the supervision of certified applicators will now receive training to use pesticides safely and to protect their families from “take-home” pesticide exposure.

EPA expects the benefits of this rule to include fewer acute pesticide incidents to people, reduced chronic exposure and reduced incidents of ecological harm from pesticide use.

States and Tribes may issue licenses to pesticide applicators with an EPA-approved program who can demonstrate the ability to use these products safely. The final action also updates requirements for state programs and for applicators obtaining licenses. Many states already have in place some of the stronger requirements of this week’s action.

The final rule includes flexibility for states to continue portions of their existing programs that are equivalent to the revised rule. EPA will work with states to review and approve updated certification plans.

OFFICE OF SEN. MORAN

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, this week praised the Senate’s unanimous passage of a bipartisan veterans care reform package (H.R. 6416), including the Moran-Blumenthal Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2016. These provisions prioritize studying toxic exposure and the potential connection of toxic exposure to heath conditions affecting descendants of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their military service.

“Those who dutifully serve our country do not expect their choice to serve will negatively impact the health of their children or grandchildren,” Sen. Moran said. “Often the impacts of toxic exposure don’t appear until long after veterans have returned home. We must address these painful wounds of war for future generations by understanding the health risks and symptoms of exposure. I am pleased that toxic exposure research was prioritized in this VA reform package, and that we may now begin to address the potential health conditions in family members of veterans exposed to toxic substances.”

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) National President John Rowan added: “Vietnam Veterans and their families owe a great debt of gratitude to Senator Moran and his staff for their dogged determination and dedication to our nation’s veterans—the senator came to our town hall meetings; he listened to the stories of our children and grandchildren; and he acted. Senator Moran and his staff worked tirelessly to ensure passage of this critical legislation which lays the groundwork for the research we need on the health of our children and grandchildren, whom we believe have been impacted by exposures during our military service—and in keeping with our founding principle, this legislation will ensure that our newer veterans will not have to wait 50 years for answers.”

Specifically, this legislation includes a scientific review and assessment conducted by National Academy of Medicine regarding toxicological and epidemiological research on descendants of individuals with toxic exposure. It also addresses the scope and methodology required to conduct adequate scientific research of descendants of individuals with toxic exposure. Additionally, it calls for the creation of a board to advise the VA Secretary and the research entity potentially conducting the research on toxic exposure.

Sen. Moran has been a vocal advocate for researching toxic exposure, securing the inclusion of a study on the subject during the April mark-up of the Fiscal Year 2017 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

The U.S. House of Representatives previously approved H.R. 6416 by a vote of 419-0. Following its Saturday, Dec. 10, passage by the Senate, it now heads to the president’s desk for his signature.

OFFICE OF THE GOV.

TOPEKA –Kansas Governor Sam Brownback today announced the appointment of Miki Bowman, Council Grove, as State Bank Commissioner.

Bowman is currently a Vice President of Farmers & Drovers Bank and has an extensive background in both the banking industry and the public sector. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a juris doctorate from Washburn University School of Law. In her current position, Bowman served as a director, compliance officer, and trust officer for Farmers & Drovers Bank. Bowman has also served on committees for both Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) and the American Bankers Association, and she is a graduate of the KBA’s Bank Leaders of Kansas.

Following her time in the office of U.S. Senator Bob Dole, Bowman worked for the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight as an investigative attorney and for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure as subcommittee counsel. Bowman was appointed to serve in President George W. Bush’s Administration to create the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) department of Congressional Affairs. She also served as policy advisor to DHS Secretary Tom Ridge.

“Miki brings a wealth of banking experience and knowledge from the public sector,” said Governor Brownback. “She will serve the industry with high professionalism and grace, and I am confident that her service will benefit our state.”

The State Bank Commissioner regulates all state-chartered banks and trust companies, savings and loan companies, mortgage businesses, supervised lenders, and money transmitters. With the Banking Board as an advisor, the Bank Commissioner ensures the safety and soundness of state-chartered financial institutions.

“It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to serve the great State of Kansas as the State Bank Commissioner,” said Bowman. “I look forward to working closely with the financial services industry, Governor, and Legislature and to continuing the commitment of the Commission to ensure the integrity of our financial services providers.”

Bowman’s appointment requires confirmation by the Kansas Senate.

KDWPT

PRATT – Hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts carrying 2016 licenses in their wallets and purses are reminded that current year licenses will expire on December 31, 2016. The good news is, 2017 licenses can be purchased beginning December 15, 2016 and are good through the remainder of 2016 and all of 2017.

Still in need of some stocking stuffers? Consider purchasing your family hunting and fishing licenses so they can enjoy another year of their favorite outdoor activities. If you buy the Youth Multi-year license, for youth 16-21, or one of the five-year hunting and fishing licenses, you can save a bundle. Really want a gift that has the “wow factor?” Gift someone special a lifetime hunting or fishing license and give them outdoor experiences for a lifetime. Payment options are available.

Visit your local license vendor, regional Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism office, or go online to ksoutdoors.com to make sure you’re equipped for another year of outdoor fun.

KDWPT

PRATT – Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism biologists have been busy investigating a flurry of mountain lion reports lately. Three more mountain lion reports were confirmed in Kansas recently, bringing the total number of confirmed sightings for the year to four.

A hunter recently checked his trail camera on Fort Riley to find a photo of a mountain lion taken on Nov. 9. On Nov. 20, about 55 miles away, another hunter’s trail camera in Shawnee County snapped several photos of a mountain lion passing by at around 1 a.m.

Four days later and about 20 miles away, a couple of young raccoon hunters in Wabaunsee County were hunting with a single hound when it bayed “treed.” They were quite surprised when they shined their lights into the tree and found a mountain lion staring back at them. They had the presence of mind to take some video and snap a few photos for evidence, and even called a few friends and family out to see the lion for themselves. Biologists later visited the site and were able to recover a few hairs from the tree limbs. It is uncertain at this time whether sufficient material was present for DNA extraction, but if so, it can help biologists determine the animal’s sex, where it came from, where it has been, and where it may end up.

It is uncertain whether these recent confirmations are the result of a single or multiple cats. Young male mountain lions can wander great distances in search of a home range, and the proximity and timing of these latest sightings indicate a single lion is a possibility, but this is not a certainty. An additional sighting is still being investigated, and if confirmed, Kansas may have a record year for mountain lion sightings.

Since 2007, when the first mountain lion was confirmed in Kansas, 18 more have been added to the total. Most are presumed to be transient young male lions displaced from states north or west of Kansas. Consistent with this theory, the presence of arm barring on several of these recent confirmations is an indicator of a young (less than 3 year old) lion. A resident population, as indicated by the presence of kittens, adult females, or repeated documentations in the same vicinity, has not been observed nor confirmed.

Visit KSOutdoors.com > Wildlife & Nature > Wildlife Sightings for more information.