West Plains Fire & Rescue

10/02/2026

As of 9:30am 10/02/2026 The burn Ban has been lifted until further notice for Howell County Missouri, however it is still advised to be mindful when burning and remain with whatever you burn until it is out. Drought and Dry Conditions will continue next week and conditions will most likely make for high fire dangers again.

09/28/2026

‼️‼️ATTENTION‼️‼️
This includes the City Of West Plains.

Burn Ban is still in effect for Howell County, with increased winds forecasted especially for Wednesday Sept. 30 fire danger will increase. Please pass the word and observe the Burn Ban.

09/28/2026

Attached are a few videos from the training of the previous post.

09/28/2026

Saturday, September 26th Members of the Region G All Hazards Response Team along with West Plains Police Department completed training at Udall. Members focused on boat operations and how to safely rescue someone from the water. This training is a repeat of the last one due to having different members attending this training. WPFR acquired a new piece of equipment that is going to improve our capabilities to better serve the community in more ways than just water rescues. Further information on the newly acquired equipment will come in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Attached will be photos/videos of the training.

09/11/2026

🚨 RAIN DOES NOT MEAN THE BURN BAN IS OVER 🚨

West Plains and surrounding areas received some much-needed rain, but the amount of rainfall we received is not enough to eliminate the fire danger.

🌧️ Howell County remains under a COUNTY-WIDE BURN BAN.

We know a little rain can make things look and feel safer, but vegetation, leaves, brush, and other fuels can remain extremely dry beneath the surface. A brief rainfall does not immediately return these fuels to normal moisture levels. One unattended fire, hot ember, or spark can quickly become a wildfire.

🔥 While the burn ban remains in effect:
• Do NOT conduct outdoor burning of brush, leaves, trash, fields, fence rows, or other debris.
• Do NOT build or maintain open fires or campfires.
• Use extreme caution with ci******es and other smoking materials.
• Never discard cigarette butts onto the ground or from a vehicle.
• Be especially careful with anything that can produce sparks or heat.

🚫 Please do not assume that because it rained, the burn ban has been lifted.

The burn ban remains in effect until it is officially lifted by Howell County officials.

If you see a fire that is spreading, threatening property, or is otherwise an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Our goal is simple: prevent a small fire from becoming a large fire.

👨‍🚒 West Plains Fire & Rescue
Stay safe. Stay fire-aware. Help us protect our community.

09/11/2026

09/08/2026

🔥 EXTREME HEAT: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE, SAVE A LIFE! 🔥

As temperatures rise, it is important to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion can quickly progress into life-threatening heat stroke if not addressed.

☀️ Signs of Heat Exhaustion:
• Dizziness
• Thirst
• Heavy sweating
• Nausea
• Weakness

➡️ Take action: Move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, sip cool water, and seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve.

🚨 Signs of Heat Stroke:
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Becoming unconscious

Heat stroke is a medical emergency—CALL 911 immediately! While waiting for help, move the person to a cooler area, loosen or remove excess clothing, and begin cooling them with water or ice.

👶👵 Those most vulnerable to extreme heat include pregnant individuals, newborns, children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses.

Remember:
🚗 Never leave anyone alone in a parked vehicle.
💧 Drink plenty of water—even if you don’t feel thirsty.
❄️ Stay in air-conditioned areas when possible.
👕 Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.

Stay Cool. Stay Hydrated. Stay Informed. Your safety matters! ☀️🔥

09/04/2026

During a burn ban, please remember:

🚫 Do not burn trash, brush, leaves, or other debris. Always follow the specific restrictions in place for your area.

🔥 Avoid activities that produce open flames or sparks near dry grass and vegetation.

🚬 Properly dispose of ci******es and smoking materials. Never throw them from a vehicle or onto the ground.

🚗 Use caution with vehicles and trailers. Do not park vehicles on dry grass, and ensure trailer safety chains are properly secured and not dragging on the roadway, where they can create sparks.

🛠️ Use caution with outdoor equipment. Welding, grinding, mowing, and other equipment can produce sparks capable of starting a fire in dry conditions.

🏕️ Check before using fire pits, campfires, grills, or other outdoor cooking devices.

📞 Call 911 immediately if you see an uncontrolled fire. Early notification can make a significant difference in preventing a small fire from becoming a large wildfire.

Dry vegetation, low humidity, high temperatures, and windy conditions can cause fires to spread rapidly. Improper debris burning is a leading cause of wildfires in Missouri, and everyone plays a role in preventing them.

A burn ban is more than a restriction—it is a community safety measure. Please do your part to prevent fires and help keep our firefighters and community safe. 🚒🔥

09/03/2026

Good afternoon,

‼️EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY‼️

A burn ban has been placed into effect in Howell County including the City Of West Plains until further notice. DO NOT BURN!!

Fires will spread rapidly due to extremely dry conditions.

09/01/2026

The car seat check event has started at Station 2 on St. Louis Street. Be sure to stop in and get your car seat checked by a certified car seat tech!