Wildfires a danger in Missouri, Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Missouri and Kansas could face the threat of wildfires such as those raging in Southern California, experts say.

Between late February and mid-April is the prime fire season in both Missouri and Kansas. Woodland leaves, downed trees and dead grasses are dry and combustible, and live trees also carry less moisture.

Missouri averages 50,000 acres a year burned in wildfires. In the drought year of 1980, 90,000 acres burned.

Drought also can cause a summer or autumn fire season as well.