(KOAM) – With drought conditions worsening across Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding residents that outdoor burning poses a heightened risk of wildfire.
A major cause of wildfires is improper burning of debris such as leaves and brush piles. According to the MDC, anyone who starts a fire is responsible for any damage it causes.
“It’s been drier and warmer than usual, which means fires have the potential to get out of control very quickly,” said Ben Webster, MDC Fire Program Supervisor. “We urge everyone to check weather conditions and be extremely careful with or avoid burning leaves or debris during these dry conditions. Always check with your local fire department regarding burn bans or look out for Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service.”
MDC encourages landowners, hunters, campers, and others to help prevent wildfires by following these safety tips:
- Outdoor Burning: Avoid burning during high temperatures, low humidity, and increased winds, which make fires harder to control. Check with local authorities for burn bans or Red Flag Warnings.
- Driving Off Road: Wildfires can ignite when dry grass comes into contact with catalytic converters. Avoid driving through grassy fields or parking on tall, dry grass. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher.
- Campfires: Clear the area around fire rings, keep campfires small, and have fire-extinguishing materials on hand. Never use flammable liquids to start a fire and always extinguish campfires completely before leaving.
- Call for Help: At the first sign of a fire getting out of control, call 911 immediately.
Wildfire prevention is critical, but MDC also highlights the benefits of prescribed fire—a controlled method to improve land health and create wildlife habitats. For those interested, MDC offers certification for prescribed burn managers through a self-paced online course.
For more information on preventing wildfires and using prescribed fire, visit mdc.mo.gov.
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