Irondale, Mo. (KFMO) - Firefighters with the Irondale Fire Protection District responded to several brush fires across the district on Sunday, keeping crews busy throughout the day as dry conditions and gusty winds increased the risk of rapid fire spread.
According to the district, crews were called to incidents along Bates Creek Church Road and at multiple locations on State Highway M. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the blazes before they caused damage to nearby property or spread further into wooded areas. Officials say the combination of dry vegetation and windy conditions is creating dangerous fire behavior, allowing even small outdoor burns to escape control in a short amount of time.
Firefighters credited quick responses and teamwork, including assistance from mutual aid partners, for keeping the fires contained and protecting the community. The Irondale Fire Protection District is reminding residents to use extreme caution when burning outdoors.
Fire officials advise avoiding burning during dry or windy conditions, never leaving a fire unattended, keeping water or fire tools nearby, and calling 911 immediately if a fire becomes difficult to control.
