West Plains, MO. – The Burn Ban for Howell County in south-central Missouri remains in place following rain that affected the area on Sunday, July 17.
Between 0.9 and 1.3 inches of rain fell on Sunday between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight in Howell County with all neighboring counties receiving precipitation as part of the storm. While the rain is greatly needed, Howell County remains in drought conditions, being at over -3 inches of precipitation for the month of July.
With multiple days of over 100 degree temperatures expected beginning on Wednesday, July 20, the Howell County Commission has decided to keep the burn ban in place.
Presiding Commissioner Mark Collins spoke on the Burn Ban:
The Following acts will continue to be prohibited within the boundaries of Howell County by all citizens and visitors:
- Careless use of materials, including cigarettes, cigars and smoking pipes, Discard shall be in a manner to prevent threat from smoldering remains initiating a fire.
- Building, maintaining, attending or using any open fire or campfire except in a permanent stove or fireplace or barbeque grills.
- Prescribed burning of all fence rows, field, wild land, ravines, trash and debris. Prescribed burning may be exempted from the order where such burning is necessary and has been specifically approved in writing by the Howell County Director of Emergency Management or other appropriate office of this County.
Knowing and willful violation of the Ordinance shall constitute a misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punished as provided law.
Questions may be directed to the Howell County Commission at 417-256-3872
Or Howell County Emergency Management at 417-255-0515 or by Email to howellcountyemd@gmail.com
