Dry weather and fire dangers
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for Mid-Missouri through 6 p.m. Thursday, but even when it is lifted, there is a continuing threat for fires.
Gale Blomenkamp is an assistant fire chief at the Boone County Fire Protection District told ABC 17 News that the lack of snow this year is part of the reason for seeing these fire danger hazards. Just within the past several days, the fire district has had to battle significant fires — all from controlled burns that got out of hand — and Blomenkamp says it’s because the right conditions are available for Red Flag Warnings.
“Until we get to that point in April where we see our growing season, we’ll continue to see wildfires,” Blomenkamp said. “Unlike the western part of the United States where they are driest June, July, and August, our driest months are December, January and February.”
The fuel for any fire is the dry debris that is laying around the region. Trees are dormant and aren’t absorbing moisture, and the dead leaves on the ground are dry and lack any form of moisture. Since January 1, Columbia has seen a little over an inch of rain, which is not a lot of rain for fire problems.
“The only thing that keeps us from having a natural cover (during) fire season is the lack of snow,” Blomenkamp said. “If we had snowfall cover, obviously nothing is going to burn.”
Although the Red Flag Warning does expire later Thursday evening, the threat for fire still exists. This threat will be prevalent until Mid-Missourians begin to see life bloom and plants take in moisture. For now, it’s important to remain cautious and follow fire safety tips.
– Never mow or trim grass on a Red Flag Warning day.
– Your home should be clear of debris that will fuel a fire. The rule of thumb is to keep any debris 100 feet from your home.
– Remove leaves and needles from home gutters.
– Trim branches six feet from the ground.
– Never pull your vehicle over dry ground.
– Don’t have trailer chains dragging the ground; they cause sparks when driving.
– Don’t let brake pads wear too thin.
– Have proper tire pressure to prevent from driving on your rims, which could cause sparks.
– Make sure to properly dispose of cigarette butts.
– Don’t burn anything.
