Wildland Fires Occurring Throughout
Missouri Cause Concern
National Weather Service Issues Red Flag Warning
JEFFERSON CITY, Feb. 14, 2006— The Missouri Division
of Fire Safety received reports this afternoon that firefighters are
on the scene of two large natural cover fires.
"Missouri fire service agencies are becoming extremely
concerned over the continued potential of natural cover fires in their
areas and many have began enforcing local burn ban ordinances,”
said State Fire Marshal Randy Cole. “It is extremely important
that the general public understand the seriousness of this situation
and refrain from conducting any outdoor burning until conditions improve.
Conditions are ever changing and until a major shift in the weather
patterns occur the danger of rapidly spreading natural cover fires
exit.”
One fire is located in Vernon County involving approximately
300 acres. The second fire is along the Camden and Morgan County line
near Climax Springs and involves up to 600 acres. At least one mobile
home has been reportedly destroyed in the Camden County fire.
Several natural cover fires such as these have been
reported in southwest Missouri over the last few weeks. High winds
along with low humidity levels have combined to create conditions
conducive for widespread wildland fires.
The National Weather Service reported today that due
to weather conditions and the lack of significant moisture over the
past several months more southern portions of the state are now seeing
conditions that are favorable for the rapid spread of fire. The areas
of concern extend from Lake of the Ozarks southwest to the Missouri
and Oklahoma state lines.
A red flag warning has been issued meaning critical
fire weather conditions are either occurring or will occur. These
conditions create the potential for explosive fire growth.
Residents of the affected regions are cautioned not
to conduct open burning of trash or grasslands. Something as simple
as the improper disposal of a cigarette could result in major fire.