Boone County Fire Protection advises against burning during Red Flag warning
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Boone County Fire Protection District advices people to not burn their grass on Sunday amidst a Red Flag Warning.
The National Weather Service in Springfield issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low humidity, which is in effect from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday evening. According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, a Red Flag Warning can only be issued by the National Weather Service. The warning predicts warm temperatures, low humidity in dried fuel moistures, and strong winds.
The Boone County Fire Protection District posted on social media that the high wind conditions are conductive for the rapid spread and growth of uncontrolled fires.
Boone County Assistant Fire Chief Gale Blomenkamp said the most common mistakes people make when they are not aware of how fast a fire will spread.
"When winds are down below ten miles an hour and they go to burn, one of the biggest things that they struggle with is how fast the fire actually moves," Blomenkamp said. "And so it can get out of control really quickly."
According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs, to prevent fires you should create a defensible space by moving brush away from structures, use fire-resistant landscaping, gather emergency supplies, plan escape routes and share your action plan with everyone involved.
During these Red Flag Warnings, avoid using lawn mowers, chainsaws and other equipment during the high risk times. Properly put out outdoor fires by drowning it with plenty of water and never leave a fire unattended.
Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a car, do not drive in tall dry grass, and if you have trailer chains makes sure they are not dragging on the ground.
