Burn bans in the FOX23 region
(KBSI)- Many areas are under a no burn warning or ban due to high humidity levels and strong winds.
Chris Noles is a Meteorologist with the Paducah weather service, and he says the winds have reached more than 50 miles per hour today March 19, 2025, which could potentially cause slight damage.
“We got some rain so sometimes that makes it easier for your weakened trees or damaged trees to come down in a situation like this or if they don’t have a good root system and it can throw around outdoor objects yeah know” says Noles.
Micheal Gentry is the Chief of the Gordonville Fire Protection District. He says there is a burn warning and citizen’s are strongly encouraged not to burn anything outside.
“Theres no burn ban for Cape County, they have not issued that, but we are under, it’s called a red flag warning with the high winds and the dry conditions we would advise residents of Cape Girardeau County to not burn today” says Gentry.
Cape Girardeau county and all surrounding counties up to Southern Illinois are also under a red flag warning. Gentry says if a fire were to get out of hand under the current weather conditions it would require a lot of resources and spread extremely fast.
“A structure fire is great ordeal, and we don’t want those to be a cause to start just from someone burning a trash pile and that trash fly’s over to the neighbor’s house and set on fire when all of that could have been avoided” says Gentry. “Because you’re looking at a multi-agency response especially with the dry conditions today and the wind it’s still going to be a multi-agency response because of that.”
The National Weather Service is saying we will probably continue with this no burn warning into tomorrow.
Here is a list of burn bans in our FOX23 Area.
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI-
Perry County: A burn ban is in effect until further notice due to elevated fire danger.
Pulaski County: A burn ban has been issued until further notice.
Franklin County: A burn ban is in place due to elevated fire danger.
Johnson County: Residents are advised to check the Johnson County Emergency Management Facebook page for burn ban updates ².
Jefferson County: A burn ban is in effect.
Williamson County: A burn ban has been issued.
City of Herrin: A burn ban is in effect.
Please note that burn bans can change rapidly, and it’s essential to check with local authorities or fire departments for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Conservation provides information on burn bans and fire restrictions across the state
WESTERN KENTUCKY-
Floyd County: Burn ban in effect
Knox County: Burn ban in effect
Additionally, more than two dozen counties in Kentucky have burn bans in place due to a statewide drought, with the biggest impacts in Central and Western Kentucky.
You can also check the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s website for current burn bans and outdoor burning regulations.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS-
City of Herrin: Burn ban in effect as of March 19, with no open burning allowed.
Franklin County: Burn ban in effect until further notice, due to elevated fire danger.
Jefferson County: Burn ban issued on March 14, but has likely expired. However, residents should check with local authorities for updates.
Johnson County: Burn ban instituted for Johnson County residents as of March 19, including all outdoor burning, until further notice.
Marion: Burn ban issued by the Marion Fire Department on March 19, until further notice.
Perry County: Burn ban in effect until further notice, issued by Perry County Emergency Management on March 10.
Pulaski County: Burn ban in effect until further notice, issued by Sheriff Randy Kern on March 10.
Williamson County: Burn ban issued by the Williamson County Fire Protection District on March 19, until further notice.
