April - June 2012
Fire Danger Levels
Each year, about 3,000 wildfires burn 30,000 acres or more of forest and grassland. Missouri's wildfire season is in the spring and fall, unlike the Western states that have a summer fire season. Dead vegetation, combined with the low humidities and high winds typical of these seasons, makes wildfire risk greater at these times.
Fire danger is based upon the burning index (BI). The burning index takes into account the fuel moisture, relative humidity, wind speed, temperature and recent precipitation. The burning index is the basis for fire suppression crew staffing levels.
The Department of Conservation relies upon the news media to help warn citizens of high fire danger. A set of standardized fire danger adjectives have been developed for fire warnings. These adjectives include a brief description of burning conditions, open burning suggestions for homeowners and fire crew staffing levels. Residents should always check with their local fire department or local Department of Conservation office for local burning conditions.
Low Fire Danger
Burning index < 20
Open burning is usually safe with proper containers and precautions under low fire danger conditions. However, residents should always check on local ordinances that prohibit open burning under any conditions. Escaped fires are easy to extinguish. No fire crew staffing is planned for low fire danger conditions.
Moderate Fire Danger
Burning index = 21 - 30
Open burning is usually safe with the proper precautions under moderate fire danger conditions. Burning should be done in the early morning and late evening to avoid windier conditions at midday. Escaped fires can be contained with proper fire-fighting equipment. Partial fire crew staffing is planned for moderate fire danger.
High Fire Danger
Burning index = 31 - 45
Any open burning is discouraged during high fire danger. Windy conditions, low humidity and dry fuels contribute to high fire danger. Fires escape control easily and containment is difficult, endangering human safety and property. Partial or full fire staffing is planned, depending on local burning conditions.
Extreme Fire Danger
Burning index > 45
Open burning should not be attempted during extreme fire danger. Local authorities may impose burning bans. High winds and extended dry periods lead to extreme burning conditions. Open fires can quickly escape and are very difficult to control. Spot fires occur ahead of the main fire, and erratic burning conditions make fires difficult to control even for experienced fire fighters. Full fire crew staffing in planned for extreme burning conditions.
The perfect storm
A combination of dry weather and wind is making this summer into of wildfire season in Missouri. Across the Show-Me State, thousands of acres of forest and grassland will burn. Most of these fires will be caused by human negligence or malicious arson.
In southwest Missouri, the threat of wildfire is even greater. Tons of fallen limbs scattered in the woods are a grim reminder of the disastrous 2007 ice storm. As the fallen timber dries, it becomes fuel for future fires. Couple this with an increasing population and extensive home construction throughout the Ozarks, and you have the recipe for the next perfect storm: widespread, severe wildfires that could cause millions of dollars of property damage, injuries and even loss of life.
In days gone by, people often set fires to convert woodlands to pasture for cattle. Today, improper or unsafe debris burning is the leading cause of wildfire in Missouri. Most residents who burn debris never intend for their fire to get out of control, but in 2006, more than 1,500 escaped debris fires burned morethan 17,000 acres of the Show-Me State.
What can you do?
You can help reduce the threat of wildfire by using simple alternatives to burning. Or, if you must burn, do it safely.
Consider alternatives to burning:
*Compost twigs and small limbs to produce great organic matter for your vegetable and flower gardens.
*Chip larger branches into mulch for gardens, trees and landscaped areas.
*Use wood chippers to eliminate tree branches and other debris. Haul debris to designated dump sites in your area.
*Cut fallen limbs for use or sale as firewood.
*Build-don't burn-brush piles. They make great wildlife habitat and will naturally decay in two to five years.
If you must burn, do it safely!
*Check with your local fire department to see if open burning is permitted or if you need a burn permit.
*Prior to the burn, contact your local forestry office or rural fire department and tell them your plans-what time you plan to start burning, how long you plan to burn and what (brush piles, leaves, etc.) you will burn.
*Check the weather. Avoid burning on dry, windy days. Pick an overcast day when winds are calm and humidity is high. Try to burn before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. This is when winds are usually calmest and humidity is highest.
*Keep brush piles small (about 5 feet by 5 feet), and burn them in open fields when snow is on the ground or in the late spring after the grass has greened up.
*Avoid burning piles under overhanging tree limbs, utility lines or close to buildings.
*Cover your debris pile with a waterproof tarp. After a rain, when the surrounding vegetation is wet, remove the plastic and you'll be ready to burn. This helps reduce the chance of your fire spreading to surrounding vegetation.
*Before you burn, gather rakes, wet burlap sacks and other firefighting tools. Have a source of water close by. This will help you take quick action should your fire start to get out of control. Call the fire department immediately should a fire escape.
*Stay with your burn pile until it is completely extinguished. Drown ashes with water and stir them with a shovel or rake to make sure there are no hot embers left smoldering.
*Check your fire the next day . . . just to be sure.
Protect Your Home from Wildfire
Many homes-especially newer ones-are situated in what firefighters call the wildland/urban interface. This is the area where potentially dangerous natural fuels, such as forests, old fields and grasslands, are found next to man-made fuels such as homes and other buildings. Because of their location, these structures are extremely vulnerable to wildfire.
To protect your home from wildfire, reduce the fuels around your home and in your yard. To do this, create a well irrigated, open space at least 30 feet out from all sides of your house. Keep this space obstacle-free to allow fire suppression equipment room to maneuver should an emergency occur. In the areas closest to your house, keep mulch moist and ornamental shrubs pruned below 18 inches. Use non-combustible building materials (stone, concrete or brick) for patios and decks. And, stack firewood at least 30 feet away.
In your yard, plant fire-resistant species-such as oak, hickory, maple, dogwood and redbud-and remove flammable plants, such as junipers, pines and cedars. Space trees and shrubs at least twice as wide as their height and prune trees so their lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet above the ground. Keep your grass green and mowed, and move dead vegetation (branches, leaves, needles, etc.) at least 30 feet away from your home or any other building.
For more information, please visit:
http://mdc.mo.gov/landwater-care/fire-management/wildfires/wildfire-prevention