Last week, the Howell County Commission announced that Burn Ban Order #2025-06 remains in effect until further notice. The ban was initially implemented due to extreme fire danger caused by dry air, gusty winds, and debris from recent storms. The Missouri State Fire Marshal has determined that conditions in Howell County still pose a significant fire risk, making the ban necessary to protect residents and property.
The ban prohibits all open burning, including campfires and outdoor fires, except in permanent stoves, fireplaces, or barbecue grills. It also restricts the careless disposal of cigarettes, cigars, and smoking pipes, as improperly discarded materials can smolder and ignite fires.
Prescribed burning of fence rows, fields, wildland, ravines, trash, and debris is allowed only with written approval from the Howell County Director of Emergency Management or another designated official.
Violating the burn ban is considered a misdemeanor, and offenders may face legal penalties. County officials urge residents and visitors to comply with the ban to prevent potential wildfires.
For further information or to request an exemption for prescribed burning, contact the Howell County Commission at 417-256-3872 or Howell County Emergency Management at 417-255-0515. Updates are also available via email at howellcountymd@gmail.com.
