Fire concerns increasing amidst dry weather

Mid-Missouri has seen only an inch of rain for the entire month of December. The lack of rain has caused some drought concerns across the state, with all of Mid-Missouri under abnormally dry conditions. These dry conditions are also causing increasing concerns for other problems here in the state, that being fire.

Thanks in large part to breezy winds through the night and into Thursday, low relative humidity, and the already dry conditions, there is increasing concerns for fires to spread.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that all three of those ingredients combined elevate the threat of seeing a fire spread.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as we head into Thursday with breezy winds, as well as through the end of the year when fireworks become popular.

– Create a defensible property by clearing away leaves and brush.

– Don’t mow dry grass

– Don’t park cars over dry grass

– Watch where you flick your cigarette butts

As Smokey the Bear always said, “Only you can prevent forest fires” and that usually starts with just one spark.