Ozark County, MO. – The Lick Creek Valley Fire Department in Ozark County announced information about a county-wide burn ban taking place. This announcement is posted below.
The Ozark County Commissioners have issued a countywide burn ban effective immediately. Ozark County Presiding Commissioner Terry Newton said the commissioners contacted the state Fire Marshall’s office and learned that the county qualified for the ban.“We are so dry, and Bakersfield has been having some issues,” said Newton. “Basically we just want people to be aware so they don’t do dumb stuff.”During the ban, residents are not allowed to burn any materials such as trash, debris or vegetation unless it is specifically approved by county and fire department officials.
According to the Missouri Department of Public Safety website,violating the ban may result in penalties including being charged with a Class A misdemeanor.Ozark County is in a severe drought, according to the U.S. drought monitor. This is despite having an exceptionally wet spring and early summer.
The last significant rainfall was in early July. Starpress.com, a website that maintains county specific precipitation and temperature historic information, showed that Ozark County had less than 1 1/2 inches of rain in August. Less than 1/2 inch has been reported in September. The forecast for the next 10 days shows a chance of thunderstorms with temperatures hovering in the upper 80s and low 90s.
