Fuel load from ice storm creates winter fire danger in SW Missouri

NEOSHO, Mo. (AP) -- An increase in trees and leaves still on the ground after an ice storm hit southwest Missouri in January may increase the danger of fires this winter, particularly in rural areas.

The debris from the storms will be extra fuel for any fires, and those fires will be harder to extinguish, fire officials said.

An acre of Ozarks timber normally has three to four tons of leaves and downed limbs on the ground, said Gary Smith, Missouri Department of Conservation district forester in Neosho. The current "fuel load" is 30 to 40 tons.

"I think we are going to have a worse fire season than normal ... because of all the fuel on the ground," said Andy Nimmo, Redings Mill fire chief. "I think we're going to have some bigger fires, and I think we're going to be out longer."

And torn limbs allow insects and diseases to weaken trees, which means more branches will fall and continue adding fuel to the forests, Nimmo said.

The problems left from the ice storms will continue for years because broken limbs will fall as they dry. The extra tons of fuel on the forest floor may be around for five to six years, Smith said.

Rural landowners and others out in the timber should also be aware that the broken limbs could fall at any time. Smith advised wearing hard hats.

"One of the things I've been cautioning my guys on is: 'Watch above you, because something could come down on you,"' Nimmo said.

The debris on the ground presents an obstacle to firefighters even when it isn't burning, Smith said.

Homeowners should clear brush from around bushes and other structures for a minimum of 30 feet, with up to 100 feet even better, he said, because radiant heat from a wind-driven fire can ignite structures several feet away.

Rural residents also need to be more aware this year of when burning is recommended, Nimmo said.

"If you let one of these get away into timber, you're going to have it get out of control pretty quickly," he said.

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Information from: The Joplin Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com