Forest Fire Breaks Out in Christian County at Mark Twain National Forest: Plume of Smoke Seen From Ozark

Driving home this evening I am reminded at just how dry this year has been. A large column of smoke can be seen from Highway 14 between Ozark and Nixa of a forest fire that broke out today near the Mark Twain National Forest near Bradleyville and Garrison, Missouri. This is land I know well having spent so much time camping and hiking these areas in the Boy Scouts when I was a kid. As well, another place where I backpacked further south on Missouri 125, Hercules Glades, also reports of large forest fires thanks to the drought of 2012.

Christian County Sheriff Joey Kyle and his department is helping assist those in the area as they are evacuated from their homes. The mandatory evacuation order was given due to the dry conditions and the size of the fire, which has now consumed 150 acres. Two homes are in immediate danger as helicopters are trying to stop the spread of the fire. Firefighters from three counties are also working to contain the fire.