Outdoor Burning/Brush Fire Safety
Brush can catch fire quickly. Add a breezy day and a fire can take over in mere minutes. If it’s windy and dry, it’s too dangerous to burn. Photo: North Callaway Fire Protection District, natural cover fire/March 2025.
Missouri Open Burning Regulations
Brush and wildland fires can present a serious threat to lives and property. High winds, warmer temperatures and drought conditions make fire seasons progressively worse. The incidence of brush fires rose dramatically in Missouri during in March 2025. Very dry vegetation, low relative humidity levels and breezy to very windy conditions led to a rash of wildland or natural cover fires across Missouri. There were estimated to be over 1,000 wildland fires during March 2025. In March 2025, very dry vegetation, low relative humidity levels and breezy conditions led to a rash of wildland or natural cover fires across Missouri. On March 14, strong winds led to the spread of well over 100 wildland fires around the state, straining fire resources. Some fires damaged and destroyed structures. That day, the Boone County Fire Protection District responded to 21 of wildland fires; in Camden County, there were reported to be 30 wildland fires burning simultaneously.
While Missouri is not known for the large wildland fires that regularly affect some western states, dry conditions, low humidity and strong winds can often combine to create dangerous brush and wildland fires. Arid and windy conditions can lead to wildfire dangers at any time of year. In 2010, three Missourians died in February and March when fires set to burn debris and brush got out of control and rapidly spread.
To prevent the spread of fires started to burn brush and debris, keep in mind the following precautions:
- Check for local burn bans or restrictions before conducting any open burning.
- Keep fire a minimum of 75 feet from all buildings.
- Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start the fire.
- Do not leave a fire unattended.
- Have fire extinguishment materials on hand, including a water supply, shovels and rakes.
- Be prepared to extinguish your fire if the winds pick up.
- DO NOT delay a call for help – call the fire department immediately at the first sign of the fire getting out of control.
Two programs that encourage local solutions for wildfire safety by involving homeowners, community leaders, firefighters and others are the Firewise Communities Program and the Ready, Set, Go Program.
