NWS issues Red Flag Warning. Be firewise to prevent wildfires

JEFFERSON CITY Mo -- The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a “Red Flag Warning” for much of Missouri. According to the NWS, “This means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential."  For more information from the NWS, visit http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/

The Missouri Department of Conservation urges hunters, campers and others in the outdoors to follow these precautions to protect lives, property and our precious forests.

Getting to camp

Wildfires can start when fine, dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters.

• Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field.
• Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle.
• When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent.
• Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road.

Preparing to make your fire

• Clear a generous zone around fire rings. When humidity is low and wind is high, debris can become tinder for a stray spark or ember.
• Store your unused firewood a good distance from the fire.
• Never use gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquid to start a fire.
• Keep campfires small and controllable.
• Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel and bucket of water, close by in case you need to quench your fire in a hurry.

Never leave a campfire unattended!

• Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp (even if it's just for a few moments).

Practice extra caution in the field

• If you smoke, put out your cigarettes completely. Burn them in your campfire or pack them out.

Don't delay call for help!

• Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.

Report forest arson

Many wildfires are set by vandals. You can stop arson by calling 800-392-1111. Your report will remain anonymous, and rewards are possible.