DANGER UP FOR BURNING OUTDOORS

Although this might be a great weekend for working outside, it will not be a good weekend for burning because of an extreme fire danger.

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan said Friday that forest service and conservation department officials are warning there is a high potential of open fires getting out of control today.

"Once out of control, southwest winds blowing at 15 to 25 mph will spread flames very rapidly and make control efforts very difficult and hazardous," Jordan said.

A combination of breezy southwest winds, low relative humidity and above-normal temperatures has caused a very high fire danger across Missouri.

Jordan suggested that open outdoor burning be postponed until the danger decreases, and that any burning or smoking materials be handled with caution.

Since Sunday, rural fire departments in Cape County have responded to more than a dozen out-of-control burns.