BELLE — Multiple fire crews responded to three reported brush fires Feb. 13, including one on Willow Lane in Bland and one on Maries County Road 308.

The day began with a call in Bland that was initially dispatched as a structure fire but was later determined to be a brush fire. Units responded from Bland, Belle, Owensville, Gerald-Rosebud and Beaufort-Leslie.

While crews were still on scene, another call came in regarding a small fire along Highway M. Departments from Vichy and Vienna were requested to assist but were canceled prior to arrival when the reporting party got the fire under control.

Later, firefighters were dispatched to County Road 318 for a brush fire that consisted of approximately 50 acres. Crews from Owensville Fire, Vichy Fire and Vienna Fire assisted at that location.

With control burn season returning, Belle Fire Protection District officials are reminding residents to take precautions before conducting any open burning. The district provided helpful tips Feb. 14 on their Facebook page, keeping the tone lighthearted despite the previous day’s flurry of activity.

“Control burn season is back… which means it’s also ‘please don’t accidentally summon the fire department’ season,”officials wrote in the post.

Residents planning a controlled burn are urged to call dispatch before igniting and again after the fire is extinguished.

“Seriously… calling in your burn dramatically decreases our chances of showing up like uninvited guests,” officials wrote in the post.

Those planning to burn in Osage County should call (573) 897-0911 to notify the Osage County 911 non-emergency line before starting a fire. If you will be burning in Maries County, call (573) 422-3381 for their non-emergency dispatch. If you will be burning in Gasconade County, call (573) 437-7770 for that agencies non-emergency dispatch.

“Windy day? Maybe don’t light your field on fire,” officials wrote in the post.

They also cautioned that while the ground may appear damp, dry vegetation can ignite quickly.

Officials also reminded residents to have an adequate water source available such as a garden hose or water tank and check weather conditions before lighting a fire.

In addition to local notification requirements, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources outlines specific rules for open burning under state regulations. Open burning is defined as burning materials in which air contaminants are released directly into the air without passing through a stack or chimney. While some types of burning are permitted, certain materials are strictly prohibited because of the potential health risks.

The department prohibits the open burning of trade wastes and tires. Materials that may not be burned include tires, carpet, used oil, asphalt roofing materials, rubber products, hazardous materials, Styrofoam, plastics, petroleum-based products, treated wood, asbestos-containing materials and durable goods such as appliances or furniture. State officials warn that burning common household trash can release toxic pollutants, including dioxins and other harmful compounds. Smoke from open fires produces fine particulate matter that can cause respiratory issues and irritation to the eyes, skin and upper respiratory tract, and exposure may also result in headaches, dizziness and fatigue.

Missouri regulations do allow certain open burning under specific conditions. Household refuse from residences with four dwelling units or fewer may be burned on the property where it was generated, though this exemption does not apply to apartment complexes or mobile home parks. Home remodeling debris, business waste and non-routine items such as tires, furniture or appliances are not included. Yard waste such as leaves, brush and tree limbs may be burned if it originates and is burned on the same premises.

Open burning is also permitted in certain agricultural and forestry operations related to crop production and harvesting, provided it does not create a public health hazard or produce smoke that impairs roadway visibility. Recreational fires, campfires and outdoor cooking fires using only untreated wood or vegetative materials are allowed. Additional restrictions apply to land clearing, commercial operations and wood processing facilities, including minimum distance requirements from occupied structures and, in some cases, the use of an Air Curtain Incinerator.

The department strongly discourages open burning whenever alternatives are available. Residents are encouraged to consider trash collection services, recycling, composting or participation in rural “green box” collection programs. Local governments may impose stricter requirements than state regulations, and residents should check with their city or county before conducting any open burning.