Jefferson City officials warn about hazardous conditions and open burning

Jefferson City fire officials said it was too dry and windy to have open burns.

They also said as of March first it’s illegal to burn in the city.

The city ordinance changed last year and yesterday Jefferson City fire officials said they were extremely busy going to illegal burns because residents thought it was legal. It used to be November 1st to March 15th.

The burn season in Jefferson city starts back up on November 1st and goes through March 1st.

“We try to make it an educational experience informing people of what the ordinance allows, but unfortunately if the residents decide to not attempt the ordinance we can issue a citation and you do go to municipal court,” said Jason Turner with the Jefferson City Fire Department.

The fine can be up to $500 and up to 180 days in jail.

Turner also said residents in the county need to be aware of the weather conditions making it dangerous to burn.

“With the red flag warning anybody outside the city that’s wanting to burn we really encourage them to take the time and look at the weather conditions with the red flag, with low humidity and high winds it can get pretty dangerous,” said Turner.

There was at least one fire in Cole County on Monday and one in Callaway County.