KANSAS CITY – Residents are being warned of the wildfire dangers, as drought conditions continue to worsen across Kansas and Missouri.
The latest rundown from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that 94% of Missouri is now either abnormally dry or in a drought . In mid-July, only 1% of Missouri was in such conditions.
In Kansas, more than 98% of the state is now abnormally dry or in drought . In July, less than half of Kansas had such conditions.
The worst spot is a pocket across southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri, where more than a dozen counties are either fully or partially in extreme drought.
In Kansas City, most of the metro is now considered in a severe drought.
With the drought conditions, the Missouri Department of Conservation reminds people that outdoor burning could cause a wildfire. According to MDC, a main cause of wildfires is improper burning of debris such as leaves or brush piles. MDC reminds people that a person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause.