Osage Beach Fire officials unsure what started hillside fire, saying blaze could burn for days
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -
Osage Beach leaders are working to tame a lingering fire near the Lake of the Ozarks.
Mayor Michael Harmison told ABC 17 News that fire crews have been dealing with a cover fire behind the Dierbergs grocery store on Osage Beach Parkway.
An ABC 17 News news reporter found the response Friday to be isolated to a hillside at Leaf Vac and Lawn Care. Osage Beach Fire Chief Paul Berardi said his fire crews were initially called there on Thursday evening at 6:15 p.m. and remained on scene until 8:00 a.m. Friday morning. Berardi said the same crew returned after only two hours to continue the fire fight at 10:00 a.m.
Berardi said the fire is burning primarily beneath the surface of the debris, making full extinguishment challenging and labor-intensive.
"It'll burn for a few days. We'll try to suppress the smoke as much as possible," Berardi said.
No nearby structures are currently facing a threat and no one has been hurt. Berardi said on scene Friday that Osage Beach Fire had not yet determined a cause.
Harmison said someone burning wooden palettes lost control of them. The palettes fell into a pile of leaves, causing heavy smoke. Harmison said the fire is not destructive, but has been bothering people in the city since it started.
Ward 3 alderwoman Rebecca Collins posted on Facebook Friday that the fire district is still working on keeping it down.
"I feel horrible for all of the families affected by the smoke and ash for the last [two] days and will stay on top of this until we can get some resolution to the situation," Collins said.
According to Berardi, crews will continue applying water and 'Class A foam' to help mitigate the fire. He said the property owner has been cooperative and also hired large excavating equipment to assist by turning the debris to expose hot spots.
