Hundreds of wildfires sparked by dry conditions, high wind across Missouri last week
Ahead of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes at the end of last week, the lack of rain and high winds created the perfect conditions for wildfires across the state. In all, agencies from around Missouri responded to 224 wildfires covering more than 15,500 acres, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
While the fires occurred between March 10-16, most were reported on Thursday, March 13, and Friday, March 14, MDC said in a release. No injuries or deaths resulted from the wildfires, though more than 20 homes and numerous vehicles and outbuildings were lost to the flames.
More than 90 specially trained MDC staff responded to 83 of the wildfires, covering nearly 9,000 acres.
In southwest Missouri counties, nine wildfires were reported, including one that covered 75 acres on Comstock Prairie Conservation Area in Barton County, with the rest on private land. MDC also assisted the U.S. Forest Service fighting a 173-acre fire burning part of its Seligman Hollow area. In the Ozark region, MDC staff fought 19 fires covering almost 1,500 acres, including nearly 300 acres of conservation lands.
"MDC reported that extreme weather conditions had one of its teams fighting a fire one minute and then taking shelter in a Dent County homeowner's basement for a tornado warning the next," the release stated.
Regionally, central Missouri saw the most fires, with 42 recorded in the Camdenton area with a total of 6,086 acres burned, including 761 acres on Granny's Acres Conservation Area in Benton County. More than 30 MDC staff responded.
These fires have been extinguished but, per the National Weather Service, much of the state remained under a Red Flag Warning on Wednesday, with wind gusts expected up to 55 miles per hour and low relative humidity. This means conditions are ideal for wildfire ignitions and rapid spread, so outdoor activities that involve sparks or open flames should be avoided. Fire danger conditions will continue through the end of the week with significant fire risk expected on Friday as well, according to the NWS.
More: 12 people dead, severe damage across Missouri after Friday tornadoes, storms
Some fires are started by vandals. To report information related to a possible crime, MDC encourages calling Operation Forest Arson at 800-392-1111. Callers will remain anonymous and rewards are possible.
According to the release, MDC supports about 700 rural small-town, mostly volunteer fire departments by providing thousands of dollars in annual grants that help purchase personal protective gear and firefighting equipment. The money is used on everything from radios to chainsaws, hoses and hand tools. Funding from the program is provided by MDC and the U.S. Forest Service Volunteer Fire Assistance Program.
Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri firefighters fought over 200 wildfires during high winds
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