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2025 Missouri wildfires

2025 Missouri wildfires

The 2025 Missouri wildfires are a series of active wildfires currently ongoing in Missouri.

Background

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Missouri Drought Monitor at its peak on April 1, 2025

Historically, Missouri experiences two primary periods of heightened wildfire activity. The late winter–early spring fire season typically occurs from late February through mid-April, when dormant vegetation, low humidity, and strong winds create conditions for rapid fire spread. This season often tapers off with the arrival of spring rains and new plant growth, which increase moisture levels and reduce flammability.[1]

The late summer–early fall fire season generally runs from late August into early October, when extended dry spells, high temperatures, and declining soil moisture make grasses and brush more susceptible to ignition. Agricultural field clearing and open burning during this period can also contribute to wildfire starts.[2]

Wildfires in Missouri can occur at any time of year, particularly during droughts or high-wind events. While Missouri does not have a statewide burn-permit season, local governments and fire protection districts may impose temporary burn bans when fire danger is elevated. State agencies encourage residents to follow Missouri Outdoor Burning Safety Guidelines year-round to reduce the risk of accidental ignition.[3]

List of wildfires

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The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), produced significant structural damage, or resulted in casualties.

Name County Acres Start date Containment date[a] Notes Ref.
Buttram Taney 2,258 January 28 February 11 [5]
Cotham Fires Ripley 1,084 March 2 March 13 Burned in Mark Twain National Forest and Sinkin Experimental Forest. [6]
Basin Taney 3,185 March 3 March 11 [7]
Knotwell Phelps 1,063 March 8 March 12 Burned in Mark Twain National Forest. [8]
Eldridge Taney 5031.4 March 12 March 22 [9]
Simpson Mtn Douglas 1,063 March 19 March 22 [10]
Bridges Hollow Texas 1,621 March 25 April 4 Burned in Mark Twain National Forest. [11]
Map
Perimeters of wildfires in Missouri during 2025 (Red: >1000 acres) (map data)

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Containment means that fire crews have established and secured control lines around the fire's perimeter. These lines are artificial barriers, like trenches or cleared vegetation, designed to stop the fire's spread, or natural barriers like rivers. Containment reflects progress in managing the fire but does not necessarily mean the fire is starved of fuel, under control, or put out.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Outdoor Burning and Wildfire Safety". Missouri Department of Public Safety. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  2. ^ "Fire Danger and Wildfire Activity". Missouri Department of Conservation. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  3. ^ "Outdoor Burning Guidelines". Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  4. ^ "What containment and other wildfire related terms mean". Los Angeles: KCAL-TV. September 12, 2024. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  5. ^ "Buttram RX Fire". Knox News. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  6. ^ "Cotham 1 and 2 RX Fires". Times Herald. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  7. ^ "Basin Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
  8. ^ "Knotwell RX Fire". battlecreekenquirer. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  9. ^ "Eldridge RX Fire". Springfield News-Leader. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  10. ^ "Simpson Mtn Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  11. ^ "Bridge Hollow RX Fire". The Colombus Dispatch. Retrieved August 15, 2025.


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