Short-hour fuels elevate fire risk in Mid-MO
With recent cold and snow, wildfires might seem like one of the last concerns for Mid-Missourians. But unseasonably warm temperatures and a drier-than-normal winter will contribute to an elevated fire risk in the coming days.
Missouri is just beginning its fire weather season, as dry vegetation from fall and winter combines with the breezy conditions of early spring. This mix of dry fuels, low humidity, and high winds creates an ideal situation for fires to spread.
The National Weather Service is warning the public to avoid burning during dry conditions. "At this time of the year, we're getting into our peak fire weather season that runs typically mid-February through roughly mid-April." Kyle Perez from the NWS in Springfield says.
Kyle also explains that the dry vegetation on the ground now is especially dangerous because it dries out quickly—what fire weather experts call short-hour fuels.
"We're talking about maybe a one-hour fuel or less, while your longer hour fuels, such as large trees and such, those are going to take a considerably longer time to dry out," Kyle says.
Grass, leaves, and small twigs are all short-hour fuels that can dry out in as little as an hour, and this risk worsens during drought conditions like those currently in Missouri.
If you're unsure whether to burn, check for watches and warnings from the National Weather Service or local Forestry services. Fire departments may also have a good idea of how dry conditions are.
