Lake Sun
newsroom@lakesunonline.com
The lake area has seen double of it’s normal rainfall the past 30 days earning a spot in the books as the second wettest October in Missouri on record.
More than 10 inches of rain fell on the southern parts of Camden County and most of Miller County.
Preliminary rainfall data from the National Weather Service shows a statewide average of 10.17 inches of rain falling throughout October. The wettest October was recorded in 1941 with 10.47 inches of rain.
The rest of the lake area, including most of Morgan County and northern Camden County, received anywhere from 8-10 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service.
Normal rainfalls for the lake area in October is considered 3-4 inches.
Officials at the National Weather Service said the amount of rainfall has caused some minor damage throughout the state.
A rainy October, combined with a wet winter, could cause flooding problems in the spring, they added.
Until now, the second-wettest October was in 1919 when 7.23 inches fell.
Fire grows as a concern
It might have been a wet and rainy October, but three days into November, high temperatures and low humidity are causing minor problems for lake area fire districts. In the last several days, districts have responded to a number of small, out-of-control brush fires.
While it was a rainy October, Mid-County Fire Protection District Chief Scott Frandsen pointed out that it’s the ground that’s wet, not the leaves themselves.
All it takes is a small gust of wind to carry flames someplace you don’t want the fire to be, Frandsen said.
Dry leaves will burn fast, Frandsen added, adding to the potential of a person losing control of a burn pile, even if it is a small one.
Most districts require winds to be 10 mph or less with humidity above 35 percent before permitting open burning.
Before you burn, here’s some recommendations:
• Call your local fire department for a burn permit. Area districts provide permits for residential open burning at no cost. A permit is required for each day that you burn.
• Don’t burn anywhere close to your house, vehicle, boat, or any other structures.
• Pile the leaves up in a circle before you burn. The circle should be a large area completely clear of debris.
• All burns must be extinguished prior to sunset.
• Do not leave the fire unattended for any length of time.
Office/burn permit numbers
Camdenton Fire
346-6260
346-3262
Eldon Fire
392-9111
Lake Ozark Fire
365-5371
365-6407
Mid-County Fire
346-2049
Morgan County Dispatch
378-5481
Osage Beach Fire
348-1221
365-6407
Sunrise Beach Fire
365-6407
When calling, be prepared leave information such as:
• Confirmation that it is a burn day
• Location of burn
• Name and phone number
• Description of materials being burned
