Winds, dry grass creates conditions for wildfire in Callaway County

Blustery winds and dry grass have made for a dangerous combination in Central Missouri.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning Sunday - signifying dryness, humidity and wind conditions ideal for starting and propagating wildfires - for much of the state.

Callaway County has not officially fallen under such a warning, but high winds and dry cover still persist, leading to a handful of small accidental grass cover fires in the past few days.

No burn ban has been issued in Callaway County, which was granted the ability to put them in place over unincorporated areas in August 2013 when House Bill 28 was passed. The bill states such an order would require prior determination from the state fire marshal that it was necessary.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.