Fire officials ask Cape Girardeau County residents not to burn outside

Fire officials in Cape Girardeau County are asking people to refrain from burning anything outside over the next few days.

John Sachen with the Delta Fire Protection District said firefighters in Cape Girardeau County had already responded to three natural cover -- grass or brush -- fires in different areas of Cape Girardeau County by mid-afternoon Monday. Low humidity coupled with plenty of sun and warm temperatures is causing high fire risk.

While no official burn ban is in place, Sachen said people should still refrain from outdoor burning -- and from throwing down spent matches and cigarette butts -- since the fire risk is so high.