ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, Mo. – As summer comes to an end, lower humidity levels mean elevated risks for brush fires. Big River Bonne Terre Fire Protect Chief David Pratte said St. Francois County is currently experiencing moderate drought conditions.
“Please don’t burn outside,” he said.
The all-volunteer 25-member departments cover 175 square miles and, on average, respond to multiple calls each day.
Capt. Ben Bailey is a volunteer firefighter with Big River Bonne Terre Fire Protection. He said battling brush fires can take hours.
“Whenever I see the humidity dropping below 25 percent for the day, I am normally gathering all of my gear and preparing because inevitably something’s going to happen,” he said.
The lower humidity levels might mean enjoyable weather, but he calls it a nightmare for his department.
“That’s terror to us because we know that that fire danger comes up with it,” he said.
He warns residents are often caught off guard over how quickly a brush fire can start.
“It’s so fast; they can’t run that fast,” Pratte added.
The department is also in need of volunteers and encourages anyone interested in learning more information to contact the department at their website or call (573) 358-2737.
