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Officials provide prevention tips ahead of open burning season

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Payton Counts
Hazy skies during a brush fire near Rushville in March 2025

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) - With open burning season inching closer, fire officials have tips to keep the burning under control.

Open burning begins Nov. 1 for the St. Joseph area and is only allowed twice a year, once in the fall and again in April.

Burning is permitted between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and fires must be completely extinguished by 6 p.m.

Open burning is limited to residential yard waste only. Fires must be contained in an upright container with a volume equal to no more than 55 gallons. Only dry yard waste such as leaves, brush and logs grown on the property may be burned.

Burning trash, paper, lumber or building debris is prohibited, according to City of St. Joseph regulations. A full list of regulations is available on the city's website.

Unattended fires can quickly get out of control and cause wildfires  — uncontrolled fires that burn vegetation, often in rural areas. 

Wildfires can burn vegetation located both above and below the soil and can start naturally from lightning or from human activity, such as a dropped cigarette. 

Ground fires or “muck “fires can ignite in soil that is rich with organic matter, like dead plant roots. Surface fires can burn dry vegetation just above the ground, often fueled by parched grass or fallen leaves.

Fuel moisture — the amount of water in vegetation — determines how easily fires ignite and spread. Low fuel moisture allows fires to start quickly and burn intensely.

Weather plays a major role in wildfire danger. The National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning when sustained winds reach at least 20 mph for two hours, relative humidity drops to 25% or less, and fuel moisture is 9% or lower.

To help prevent wildfires, keep gutters, decks and porches clear of leaves and debris, and use fire-resistant materials around your home. Know where your outdoor water source is in case of an emergency.

If a wildfire occurs, listen to NOAA Weather Radio alerts, keep an emergency kit ready, close all vents and windows to keep out ash, and evacuate immediately if ordered.

For non-emergencies, responses to "open burning" or to report unsafe burning in the St. Joseph area call 816-271-4623.

News-Press NOW will update this article.

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Payton Counts

Payton Counts is the morning Stormtracker Meteorologist who joined News-Press NOW in October of 2024.

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