Scott County field fire causes $120,000 in damage, officials estimate

A wildfire burned about 200 acres of a rural Scott County wheat field early Tuesday afternoon, causing up to $120,000 in damage, firefighters said.

The blaze ignited about 12:45 p.m. along Scott County Road 420, near Route CC, said Scott County Rural Fire Protection District firefighter Curtis Arnold. The cause remained under investigation.

About 15 firefighters in eight firetrucks from Scott County, the Oran Fire Department and the NBC Fire Protection District responded to the fire, Arnold said. Investigators estimated the fire burned between 150 and 200 acres.

The unidentified owner of the property told investigators the wheat, which was ready for harvest, was worth about $60 per acre.

"Right now, with everything being dry, with high heat and low humidity, a small ignition source will burn a wheat field quick," Arnold said. "Once they start, they are hard to stop. You have to attack from all angles."

Firefighters extinguished the fire about 2:45 p.m., Arnold said.

Cape Girardeau County officials implemented a restrictive burn ban May 23.

Morley city officials announced a burn ban Tuesday.

"Within the city, the only thing a person is allowed to burn legally is yard debris," said Morley fire chief Teresa Hicks. "With the burn ban in place, nothing is legal. It's because of the dry weather. Our town is surrounded by field fires."

jgamm@semissourian.com

573-388-3635

Pertinent address:

County Road 420, Scott County, MO

Highway CC, Scott County, MO