Summer weather increases fire threat

While fire safety is nothing new, the summer months make fire prevention more critical.

The typical weather during the summer — dry, hot and humid — is a fire hazard itself. According to the National Weather Service Forecast Office, wind speed, temperature, and relative humidity impact the rate and intensity of a fire dramatically.

If the ground and vegetation is extremely dry for the day, the State Fire Marshal will step in and issue a statewide non-burn order.

According to the MU Commercial Agriculture program, the state of Missouri is “abnormally dry” for the month of May. The National Weather Service in St. Louis reports that the Columbia area has received 7.17 inches of rain between March 1 and today, which is 4.17 inches below normal. Sorrell said one rainfall would diminish the threat of fires.

According to a city ordinance, using fireworks is considered a misdemeanor within the Columbia city limits. It is also illegal to sell fireworks within city limits. The Columbia Fire Department advises treating firework burns with cold water, not ice or ice water, covering the burn then contacting a care provider immediately.

Outdoor grilling proves to be a safety hazard during the summer as well. Lt. Debbie Sorrell, assistant fire marshal, recommended precautions such as:

• Do not use grills on a second or third level wooden deck.
• Do not lean over the grill. The heat, steam and smoke from the grill are dangerous.
• Turn the grill off when finished.

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• ver leave the grill unattended.