KIRKSVILLE -- The Missouri Department of Conservation said burning pasture grass can be good for wildlife, but it's important to use proper safety measures.
Grass fires can be dangerous without taking into account factors such as wind and humidity.
The conservation department held a workshop today to inform local landowners of proper safety techniques when burning fields.
This spring the department will hold several demonstration burns and offer consulting on burning grass.
MDC agent John Murphy said to be safe while burning, patience is a virtue.
"This time of year, fire will run across close-ground pasture because it's brown, it's dead. If folks can put off some of the burning that they want to do, if there's brush piles burning up and stuff, until things green up, I think we'll have a lot less problems with escapes and brush piles and that type of thing catching on fire,” Murphy said.
If you missed today's workshop but still want to learn about proper weather monitoring and equipment for burning pasture, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation.
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