Monday, Feb. 27, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Calls for Missourians to Exercise Vigilance in Open Burning
JEFFERSON CITY–In light of continued warm temperatures and dry conditions during the winter months across the state, Gov. Matt Blunt is calling on Missourians to adhere to local burn ordinances.
“Recently we have faced a siege of wildfires especially in Southwest Missouri and until conditions improve Missourians should refrain from conducting open burns, which have the potential to cause serious economic damage and injury to the general public and firefighters responding to fire activity,” Blunt said. “I urge Missourians to take caution during these poor conditions.”
State Fire Marshal Randy Cole is monitoring the conditions daily and said local burn ban ordinances are prudent, proactive steps to saving lives and property. Burn bans have already been enacted in many Missouri cities, counties and several fire protection districts. Citizens in those areas can be fined for violating those ordinances. Ignoring ordinances may result in criminal prosecution if the fire damages a neighboring property. The individual who conducted the open burn can be held financially liable for any property damage.
Currently, state law reserves the authority to prohibit open burning activities to local jurisdictions. Since state aid and resources are used to assist out-of-control burns, the governor’s office is working closely with the General Assembly to draft legislation allowing the governor to declare emergency drought conditions in affected areas and prohibit open burning.
Vernon, Morgan, Camden, Saline, Newton and Jasper counties have experienced wildfires, although fire service agencies are extremely concerned that the portion of Missouri from the Lake of the Ozarks southwest to the Missouri and Oklahoma state line will continue to experience drought conditions increasing the likelihood of wildfires.
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