Burning banned in Missouri conservation areas

Effective immediately, the Missouri Department of Conservation has issued a fire ban for all conservation areas, according to a department news release. The fire ban includes any open fires, including campfires and charcoal grills. The ban does permit the use of contained camp stoves and charcoal cooking fires in concrete or metal fire rings. The use of firewood in cooking fires is prohibited under the fire ban. Fireworks are already prohibited in Missouri conservation areas. The department said those who suspect a fire ban violation should immediately call local authorities or Operation Forest Arson at 800-392-1111, and call 911 at the first sign of any fire getting out of control.