Red flag warning in effect across parts of Missouri amid critical wildfire danger
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The National Weather Service in Kansas City is warning people across much of Missouri not to burn anything outdoors Monday.
The NWS issued a red flag warning from noon-8 p.m. Monday because of "critical fire danger." The warning affects northwestern counties and western parts of Mid-Missouri.
With humidity at 15-25% and wind gusts between 25-30 miles per hour on Monday, warm and dry conditions could help outdoor fires spread faster.
A red flag alert does not prohibit burning outdoors, rather it discourages people from doing so when weather conditions create an increased risk of wildfire.
“It initially is a warning to citizens that they shouldn't be outside causing anything that would spark or ignite that vegetation,” Cooper County Fire Protection District Lt. Will Johnson said.
CCFPD had already responded to two outside fires before 1:30 p.m. on Monday. It responded to 37 natural cover fires in 2024, according to a Yearly Run Summary given to ABC 17 News.
“There is a tremendous amount of fuel in a rural community," Johnson said. "That being the vegetation.”
Johnson said clearing excess vegetation and debris can prevent wildfires. He said people can look at their property in three zones.
Zone 1 is zero-to-5 feet from a house. This zone includes a deck/patio/balcony as well as fencing of garden areas near the home. Vegetation should be cleared in Zone 1.
Zone 2 is 5-30 feet from a house. This zone includes the property and all outbuildings. People should keep this area clear and well-maintained. It is also important to keep grass and trees watered during dry conditions, Johnson said.
Zone 3 is 30-100 feet where thinning and spacing vegetation as well as keeping branches cut can help reduce fire risk.
Johnson said it is important to be mindful of certain habits and activities that are dangerous during a red flag warning.
"Throwing cigarette butts, cigar butts or any flammable types of material, dragging a chain while you're towing a vehicle that has caused a lot of fires," Johnson said.
He said Cooper County has seen quite a few natural cover fires that were ignited by thrown cigarettes along the Interstate 70 corridor during the past few years.
The National Weather Service says if people decide to burn during a red flag warning, they should ensure every spark is extinguished properly before leaving the fire. Embers carried by heavy winds can ignite a fire in grass or leaves and quickly spread during a red flag warning. Throwing cigarettes out of a moving vehicle can also be hazardous, as it can start a fire on the side of the road.
"Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch," NWS says. "Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it."
