Landowners should not take the recent gray skies and cold weather as an indication that conditions are appropriate for that controlled burn they may be planning. Instead, the low humidity and the days of high winds can make it particularly dangerous for burns this time of year.
"Controlled burns can be a good tool (for landowners)," said Greg Luebbert, fire chief for Central Callaway Fire Protection District (CCFPD). "But they are dangerous if they aren't done safely and properly."
In a written statement, Luebbert also said "unless the ground has snow cover or until spring green-up, fire danger can be extreme."
With that in mind, Luebbert advises the following for anyone planning a burn:
• Check with local authorities to see if burn bans are in place.
• Keep a fire a minimum of 75 feet from buildings.
• Never use gasoline or flammable liquids when starting a fire.
• Do not leave a fire unattended.
• Be prepared to extinguish a fire if the wind picks up and have tools and water available.
• Do not delay calling for help if the fire gets out of control
• Notify Callaway County dispatch of any plans for controlled burns at 573-592-2486.
"The worst time of day for people to burn is between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.," said Luebbert. "The winds are typically higher, and there is lower humidity. It's better to wait until evenings when the humidity tends to set in."
The CCFPD has already been called out this season for grass fires that have gotten out of control. They had two of those calls on Sunday. The chief said it's not unusual during a peak season to be called out a couple of times a day.
"It's not always controlled burns," Luebbert said. "Sometimes it's carelessness that begins a burn this time of year."
He cautioned against throwing out hot coals from a stove or fireplace and encouraged drivers to use ashtrays instead of flicking their cigarette ash out a car window.
Individuals living within the city limits of Fulton need to call 573-592-3150 to get permits before burning. Fire personnel will check daily conditions such as wind and moisture before approving a permit.
For those interested in learning the best practices for controlled burns for land management purposes, the Missouri Department of Conservation is offering free workshops to the public. For more information about controlled burns, contact MDC at www.mdc.mo.gov.