ROLLA, Mo. – Mark Twain National Forest firefighters have contained a wildfire burning on Forest Service land to the east of Shell Knob, near Table Rock Lake. The Cane Hollow Fire was first reported to the Central Crossing Fire Protection District, who found the fire burning on Forest Service land and contacted Mark Twain National Forest during their initial response. USDA Forest Service firefighters arrived yesterday morning, shortly after, to begin suppression efforts. Last night, the fire was 90% contained. Today, the fire has reached 100% containment, at about 300 acres in size.
Leaf litter, downed trees, and other materials in the middle of the contained fire perimeter are continuing to put up smoke, so the fire may be visible through the rest of the day. Winds also shifted today from the southwest to more from the north, fanning smoke over the Table Rock Lake area–making it visible from Shell Knob and other nearby communities.
Forest Service crews remain on scene monitoring the contained perimeter. The cause is still unknown and is under investigation. Firefighters want to remind people in southwest Missouri that the area has been experiencing drought conditions and it is important to be very careful with any open flames in the woods.