Dry conditions keeping firefighters busy this spring
By Jenna Wilson
The rising temperatures and seasonal conditions are creating increased fire risks in Northwest Missouri, with local firefighters battling various grass fires over the past few weeks.
Fire crews dealt with a 300-acre grass fire at Sugar Lake on Thursday that started on Highway 45 and spread to Platte County.
More than 100 response personnel were at the scene, including employees with the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and all surrounding fire agencies.
A month prior, firefighters also battled a grass fire near Lake Contrary, according to the St. Joseph Fire Department.
The late spring and early summer seasons are dangerous for spawning grass fires for several reasons, including weather conditions and open burning.
Bill Lamar, St. Joseph Fire Department emergency manager, said the dry conditions haven’t made the spring season easy for firefighters who are responding to several emergency calls.
“This spring has been very dry,” he said. “Any time that you don’t have the rain and add on the low humidity with high winds, it makes for a really good recipe for a fire.”
Spring open burning has been approved for April 1-30, but people should pay attention to the weather conditions and follow rules and regulations before deciding to burn.
“We always stress safety with anybody that’s wanting to do open burning,” Lamar said. “We’ll always cancel burning on days that it’s high wind, but people should especially (be) aware if it’s dry humidity and we haven’t had any rains for a while because that’s going to make for a dangerous situation.”
The public should also avoid things like discarding a lit cigarette or other lit material onto public property, especially grass, as it can put people’s property and lives in danger.
“Any time it’s been dry, and you have all the dead grass and underbrush, a fire will start quickly from something as simple as cigarette butts,” Lamar said. “That includes anything that’s a spark, so even the catalytic or exhaust from your car. If you go and pull off to the side of the road, that can heat up, then your car is on fire from all the vegetation from underneath it.”
Anyone with questions about spring open burning rules should reach out to the fire prevention office in St. Joseph. Those living in rural areas with further questions about field burning are advised to reach out to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
