(Jefferson City) – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued a fire ban on all conservation areas.
The fire ban includes prohibiting campfires and other open fires, including charcoal grills, and does permit the use of contained camp stoves and charcoal cooking fires in concrete or metal fire rings. The use of firewood in cooking fires is prohibited under the fire ban.
The U.S Forest Service and numerous counties and communities have also issued fire bans.
Officials say that people should call 911 at the first sign of any fire getting out of control, and should call Operation Forest Arson at 800-392-1111 if they see or suspect possible arson. Callers will remain anonymous and rewards are possible.