19 fires reported in Missouri Ozark region; damages in Bakersfield

The Ozarks region in Missouri has been battling blazes over the last week with over 19 fires covering nearly 1,500 acres reported in the region.

One of the fires threatened Bakersfield as the raging flames consumed some structures and destroyed a vehicle before it was contained. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Bakersfield Fire Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol worked together to suppress the blaze.

Ben Webster, the Fire Program Coordinator for MDC, says “We are so very thankful for everyone’s efforts in fighting these fires. We greatly appreciate the expertise, hard work and long hours from our staff, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) has Red Flag Warnings for parts of Missouri, as 224 wildfires covering more than 15,500 acres have been reported across the state from March 10 – 16. More than 20 homes and numerous vehicles and outbuildings have been lost to the flames.

For more information on preventing wildfires, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention.

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