Latest news with #JohnScheper
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Camden County lifts burn ban a week early
CAMDENTON, Mo — A week after issuing a burn ban, the county announced it is lifting its ban. For much of mid-March, firefighters in the Camden County area were busy battling wildfires that broke out. Dry and windy conditions fueled several wildfires that kept multiple departments busy. Emergency Management Director John Scheper told Ozarks First an estimated 2,500 to 3,500 acres burned. On March 18th, a ban on burning was put into place until April 1st. On Tuesday, the Camden County Commission signed a notice revoking that order as of midnight on March 25: Before the ban was put in place, over two dozen structures had been damaged, and over 30 vehicles, including boats, have been caught in the flames. Several homes were evacuated, and fires had sparked on both sides of Highway 54. At one point, the Camden County Commission declared a state of emergency. With calmer winds expected Wednesday, humidity increasing, and low chances for rain forecast over the next few days in the area, fire danger is suppressed. However, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety offers some tips for safe burning here. For the latest forecasts, follow Ozarks First on all social media platforms and download the Ozarks First news and weather apps. Ozarks First News App: For Apple devices For Android devices Ozarks First Weather App: For Apple devices For Android devices Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Camden County issues county-wide burn ban until April 1
CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. – Firefighters in Camden County have been fighting fires nonstop since Friday. Now the entire county is in a burn ban. 'This has just been unprecedented, especially having so many days back to back when we're having extreme or critical fire conditions,' said Emergency Management Director John Scheper. The county-wide burn ban means you are not allowed to set any intentional fires or you could face misdemeanor charges and a $250 fine. More than 500 acres burn in Camden County, Mo. wildfires 'The firefight here in Camden County has been remarkable,' Scheper said. 'I don't know that we've ever seen anything like this.' Scheper credits their mutual aid partners across the state for helping them get a handle on these numerous fires. He says right now, they don't know how many fires have popped up in the county, but they do know over two dozen structures have been damaged, and over 30 vehicles, including boats, have been caught in the flames. 'Our people, our resources, our equipment are just stretched to the limit right now,' Scheper said. 'And what we really need is probably a two or three days sustained rain.' Local sports bars ready for March Madness, expect big crowds Scheper estimates that 2,500 to 3,500 acres have burned. 'This is still an ongoing event,' Scheper said. 'Realistically, the first major relief that I think we're going to see is maybe this weekend.' No one has died from these fires, but a few firefighters have minor injuries. 'Our firefighters are pretty resilient group of people,' Scheper said. 'It would take a lot to put any of them out of action.' The burn ban is in effect until April 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
