Fire officials across the St. Louis bi-state area are sounding the alarm and asking residents to skip outdoor burning this week as fire danger is expected to spike Tuesday afternoon. With gusty winds, low humidity and already parched vegetation, even a modest backyard fire could turn into a fast-moving problem. Departments across the region are urging people to postpone controlled burns and to make sure any bonfires are completely out before anyone walks away.
Heads up! Avoid burning again this week. Per NWS St. Louis: there is a 60% chance the bi-state region reaches elevated fire danger conditions on Tuesday afternoon. Leave burning to the professionals. Fully extinguish bonfires and any fires. Be careful with open flames.
— Boone County Fire Protection District
What forecasters say
According to NWS St. Louis, a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels is setting the stage for erratic fire behavior across eastern and central Missouri and parts of Illinois on Tuesday afternoon. Forecasters warn that under these conditions, any ignition could spread rapidly.
Local officials' warning
The Boone County Fire Protection District shared the advisory on Facebook, noting there is about a 60% chance the bi-state region reaches elevated fire danger on Tuesday. The district is urging residents to “leave burning to the professionals” and to fully extinguish bonfires. Other departments across the area are echoing that guidance and telling residents to be extra cautious with open flames and debris piles.
Why it matters and what to do
The NWS area forecast discussion highlights a high probability of sustained gusty winds on Tuesday that will further lower humidity and dry fuels, which raises the odds that a small blaze could quickly become dangerous; see the discussion here. Open burning in Missouri is governed by state and local rules, and permits may be required in many jurisdictions, according to the Missouri Code of State Regulations, so residents should check with their local fire department before planning any burns.
Stay ready
If you plan to burn, delay until conditions improve and keep water and basic tools nearby so you can fully extinguish any flame. Follow updates from local fire departments, and report any uncontrolled fires to 911.
