Dry foliage combined with high winds has greatly increased forest fire potential and warranted the issuance of “red flag warnings” as of late. Starting with February and over the next few months, what’s known as “fire season,” brings with it dry conditions that are conducive to the spread of wild fires.
Frances Main, resource forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation, says that something as small as a stray spark could ignite an uncontrolled fire.
“It’s very easy to accidently start a fire right now because the grass hasn’t greened up yet, and grass dries really quickly in the low humidity and the sunshine and warm temperatures we’re getting. Spring is our fire season here in Missouri.”
This year is especially active with wild fires due to the warmer temperatures and stronger winds. Any controlled burn should be carefully supervised, says Main, because something as accidental as a tiller blade striking rock could cause a spark.
“Keep aware of the weather. Most people don’t pay attention to the relative humidity and that’s what dries grass out so quickly is when that relative humidity goes down.”
When control burning, people should take weather conditions into consideration plus build sturdy fire-lines. Also, have a burn plan that includes how many people will be involved, where the fire lines will be placed, and when the fire will be started and extinguished.
If you see or accidently start a forest fire, immediately call 911 to alert your local Fire Department.