Burn bans expand across Four States: Where you can and can't burn
County commissioners and fire chiefs across the Four States are shutting down outdoor burning as dry timber turns fields into tinderboxes.
What do you think?
A single spark right now could cost you a hefty fine—or a city block.
County commissioners and fire chiefs across the Four States are shutting down outdoor burning as dry timber turns fields into tinderboxes. Jasper, Barton, and Ottawa counties have already locked down their jurisdictions under emergency burn bans, while neighboring communities leave residents navigating a patchwork of municipal rules, dispatch check-ins, and daily fire danger warnings.
Full County Bans in Effect
Jasper County, MO: The Jasper County Commission issued an emergency countywide burn ban on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The order outlaws all outdoor burning across the county through Sept. 30.
Barton County, MO: Commissioners ordered a complete outdoor burn ban across the entire county. That order stays in place until further notice.
Ottawa County, OK: Across state lines, Ottawa County commissioners approved an emergency countywide burn ban on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Outdoor burning remains illegal through at least Sept. 16.
Municipal Orders and Spot Restrictions
Newton County, MO: Commissioners have not issued a burn ban covering unincorporated rural areas, but city limits tell a different story. In Joplin, fire officials continue to enforce a zero-tolerance municipal ban, where lighting an open flame brings a citation.
Cherokee County, KS: Cherokee County leaders have avoided a countywide order, but individual towns are stepping in. In Galena, an emergency municipal burn ban remains active.
Crawford County, KS: Emergency managers are bypassing blanket orders in favor of real-time monitoring. Crawford County Emergency Management tracks the Grassland Fire Danger Index, slapping day-to-day burn restrictions on the county whenever wind gusts and low humidity push the needle into critical territory.
Lawrence County, MO: No countywide ban is on the books. Rural fire districts ask anyone planning to light brush or trash to call their local department’s non-emergency dispatch line first to check fuel conditions.
Dade County, MO: Dade County carries no formal burn bans at either the county or municipal level, but local officials warn that the lack of paperwork does not mean it is safe to strike a match.
Greenfield Utility Clerk Megan Gandy told NewsTalk KZRG that people need to use common sense, noting that an ember caught a whole field on fire just a couple of days ago. She urged residents not to burn anything until the area gets soaking rain.
