Crews warn about outside fires in warmer weather

With higher temperatures and breezy conditions this week, Boone County crews are warning about outside cover fires.

There were three outside fires on Sunday in Mid-Missouri, including one in Ashland that started as a controlled burn, but quickly got out of hand.

The Boone County Fire Protection District said this can happen when wind speeds exceed 5 to 10 mph.

They also said to never leave a fire unattended.

“Even though you think it might be out, the winds can change direction and increase speed which can kick up embers and take it beyond what you intended to burn, so people should definitely never leave their fire unattended,” said Division Chief Gale Blomenkamp with the Boone Co. Fire Protection District.

If you life in the county, open burning is allowed for vegetation.

If you live within Columbia city limits, you’ll need a burn permit issued from the fire department.