Phelps County Fire Departments issue burn ban

The City of Rolla Fire & Rescue in conjunction with all Phelps County Fire Protection Districts, which include the City of Rolla, Rolla Rural, St. James, Doolittle Rural, Duke, Newburg, and Edgar Springs, have issued a burn ban until further notice. No open burning will be allowed in Phelps County until we receive significant rainfall.

Due to hot and extremely dry conditions along with the continued drought, the fire danger is severe. Fire officials say a lack of adequate rainfall and warmer temperatures make conditions for burning potentially dangerous.

“Some of the dangers that we most frequently see are a small controlled burn that due to dry conditions, expands rapidly and the property owner loses control very quickly,” said City of Rolla Fire Chief Robert Williams. “Wild fires can spread very rapidly, therefore putting citizens at risk.”

Fireworks displays may be restricted, depending upon local jurisdiction (City Ordinance). In the City of Rolla, fireworks displays over the July 4th holiday will be allowed; however, we would remind the public that fireworks within the city limits of Rolla may only be displayed from July 1 – July 5 from 8 a.m. to midnight each day. With the extreme heat and drought conditions, we would ask that residents have a fire extinguishing agent (i.e., fire extinguisher, water hose, etc.) nearby while displaying fireworks.

If you plan on burning anything in the future, fire officials are advising that you contact them to inquire if the ban is still enacted.