Cape issues no-burn order

Due to high winds with strong gusts, Cape Girardeau Fire Department issued a no-burn order for residents until further notice.

"We are requesting no open burning at all for the time being," said fire chief Rick Ennis, adding that residents have been helpful in these situations in the past.

He encouraged residents to check the department's Web site by visiting www.cityofcapegirardeau.org and following the links to the fire department and outdoor burning regulations, or to contact the fire department and ask if it is safe to burn by calling 334-3211.

Ennis said the department relies on forecasts from KFVS12 in determining whether it is safe to burn outside and posts that information on the Web site.

David Humphrey, lead forecaster for the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., said winds forecast at 15 to 25 mph for Friday are expected to continue at 15 to 25 mph today with gusts of 30 mph. Humphrey said flurries are expected and temperatures should be in the lower 40s during the day and lower 20s tonight.

Sunday, winds should drop to 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest with temperatures in the mid-40s.

The no-burn order was the first issued since the Open Burning Task Force reviewed the city ordinance in September and was subsequently adopted by the city, Ennis said.

The new ordinance allows a no-burn order if atmospheric conditions prevent smoke from rising freely or if there are excessively dry conditions, sustained winds greater than 15 mph and/or frequent winds greater than 25 mph, Ennis said.

Under the previous city ordinance, no-burn orders were only issued only when a fire became offensive, usually due to smoke, Ennis said.

"That made it pretty vague," he said. "That was my goal with the task force, to give directions."

Ennis said under normal conditions, limited burning is permitted in the city limits to burning limbs, leaves and other yard waste in a pile no larger than 5 feet long, 5 feet wide and 5 feet high. More information about burning regulations is on the department's Web site, Ennis said.

Jackson and Scott City fire departments require residents call the day of a planned burn to obtain a permit, regardless of the weather, fire officials there said. Daily wind and humidity levels are factored into the decision of whether it is safe to burn, they said.

Both cities have similar rules for legal burns, such as limiting burns to yard waste in small areas.

Scott City fire chief Jay Cassout said in addition to limiting burns to a 5-by-5-by-5-foot area, fires must be extinguished by dark. Cape Girardeau's fires must be extinguished by 5 p.m. and Jackson's by 8 p.m., officials said.

Jackson Capt. Randy Davis said the department didn't issue a no-burn order Friday and isn't expecting to because of the city's permit requirement.

carel@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 125