Drought continues to hit Mid-Missouri, open burning regulations take effect
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
As drought in Mid-Missouri continues, despite some recent rainfall, many counties are still in drought stricken areas.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor from Oct. 31, counties like Morgan, Moniteau, Cooper, Pettis, Benton and much of Cole, Camden and Miller counties are in severe drought stricken areas.
Nearby counties seeing moderate drought include most of Boone, Osage, Chariton, Maries County and more.
Around the end of October, Mid-Missouri typically sees about 35-36 inches of rainfall. This year we only got about 29 inches. An average of about 1.5 inches of rain fell per month
According to the CDC, the lack of rain leaves a chance for increases in wildfires, leading to bad air quality, compromised drinking water, compromised food and effects your mental and physical health.
According to the ABC 17 News Stormtrack Weather Team, Mid-Missouri would need weeks of consistent and above average rainfall to get back to normal conditions.
And as drought continues, burn regulations are taking effect to make burning safer, however they differ depending on where you live.
Regardless of where you live, all fires must be monitored at all times with the proper safety equipment on hand incase of an emergency.
In Columbia, open burning is not allowed within city limits without a permit, but you can have a recreational fire without one.
Residential yard waste drop off centers in Columbia are located on Parkside Drive and Capen Park.
In Jefferson City, burn season began Wednesday and will last through March 1.
According to city law, residents can burn small sticks, grass clippings and leaves on their property from sunrise to sunset.
Large tree limbs, stumps, waste, tires and cardboard are not allowed to be burned.
The Jefferson City Council ended its contract with All Seasons Landscaping on Oct. 31. Beginning Nov. 4, residents will have to to take their yard waste to a city-run site at 708 Ellis Blvd.
