MDC Offers Hunters Wildfire Safety Tips

With ongoing drought conditions around much of the state and many Missouri deer hunters hitting the woods and making deer camps over the coming weeks, the Missouri Department of Conservation reminds everyone to be extra careful with campfires and other sources of outdoor fire that could cause a wildfire.

Be sure to clear a generous zone around fire rings.

Store unused firewood a proper distance from a campfire.

Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire.

Keep campfires small and controllable and keep fire-extinguishing materials close, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water.

Extinguish campfires each night and confirm coals are cold before leaving camp, even if it’s just for a few moments.

MDC also reminds hunters to never park their vehicles over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the vehicle’s underside and potentially start a wildfire.

Be sure to call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.

You can anonymously report potential arson by calling 800-392-1111.