ROLLA — A time of year when the potential for wildfire spread is highest is also one of the times Mark Twain National Forest has the most people visiting. As trees shed their colorful fall foliage in preparation for winter, the November portion of firearm deer season often corresponds with thick leaf litter on the ground. This provides a fuel source that wildfires can easily move through.
Practice campfire safety and creating defensible space
While out hunting, please practice fire safety and ensure campfires are completely out before leaving them unattended, especially when heading home. It is also important to create wildfire defensible space and clear away the leaf litter from around hunting cabins and homes adjacent to the Forest — FireWise.org recommends at least 30 feet from the structure in all directions. Learn more from the Missouri Department of Conservation online at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/camping/make-your-camp-firewise.
Using prescribed fire to reduce the threat of wildfire
Another way to fight wildfires is by reducing fuel through prescribed burns. When conditions are right, fall can be an effective and safe time for the Forest, partners, and adjacent landowners to conduct prescribed burning activities. The Forest usually avoids prescribed burning during the firearm deer season in November because so many people are in the woods; but prescribed fire projects may resume soon after, as weather allows.
Possible prescribed burn projects this fall
On the Potosi/Fredericktown and Salem Ranger Districts possible fall prescribed burn projects include Clear Creek Camden Hollow, Johnson Mountain, Marcoot and Grasshopper.
On the Poplar Bluff Ranger District planned fall projects include Hockinberry Hollow, King Tract, Adams Tract, and Turnbough.
Eleven Point Ranger District has Gothan 3, Gothan 3 Orr, and Hodo 1 as potential fall prescribed burn units.
On the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District, fall prescribed burn units could include Sugar Tree, Sugar Tree West, and Waterhole.
Western Star is the only prescribed burn unit planned for fall on the Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District.
A map of Forest prescribed fire projects, planned for this fall and spring, is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/FY22RxFire.
Public safety around prescribed fires
If you come across prescribed fire operations, please make sure to drive slowly, turn your lights on, and be aware of firefighting staff working along the road. Signs will be posted along the roadways before and during prescribed burn operations. Help us keep you and our staff safe during prescribed burns by following signs for road closures and reroutes and by not stopping to pullover during prescribed burn operations.
Stay connected
Follow Mark Twain National Forest on Facebook at facebook.com/marktwainnationalforest to keep updated on prescribed fire information. If you have questions about planned wildfire prevention or prescribed burns, please call your local Ranger District office, or email Cody Norris, Public Affairs Specialist, at cody.s.norris@usda.gov.