A string of brush fires forced the Boone County Fire Protection District to respond Friday as elevated fire danger gripped the area.
A mix of sun, wind, and dry ground accelerated fires, with officials warning residents not to burn items amid the heightened risk.
Mid-Missouri remains in moderate drought, a factor the U.S. Drought Monitor says raises fire threats and dries soils.
The department reported flames began in the 7800 block of Low Crossings Road near Burg Road around 2:30 p.m., when a family’s outdoor burn got out of control.
Firefighters, including 13 volunteers, battled the blaze for about an hour, containing it to four acres and preventing damage to the home, though a shed roof was singed.
Crews used brush trucks, engines, and a tanker to douse the flames.
A light weekend shower is expected, but officials caution that rain followed by sun can quickly re-ignite dry ground, so no burning is advised