09/17/2026
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
COUNTY-WIDE BURN BAN NOW IN EFFECT — DENT COUNTY, MISSOURI
Effective September 17, 2026, at the request of Fire Chief Derek Thomas, and the Chiefs of Lenox Rural Fire Department, Jadwin Volunteer Fire Department, and Montauk Rural Fire Department, the Dent County Commission has signed and adopted an ordinance implementing a county-wide burn ban due to current drought conditions and the increased danger of fires throughout Dent County.
â—ŹOutdoor burning and open burning are prohibited throughout Dent County. This includes burning trees, logs, brush, stumps, leaves, grass clippings and other vegetative material, as well as burn barrels and agricultural burning.
â—ŹThe ordinance does provide limited exceptions, including cooking or grilling with charcoal, wood, propane, or natural gas in appropriate cooking/grilling appliances, as well as certain heating, construction, and maintenance uses specified in the ordinance. Burning permits may only be authorized with prior approval of the Dent County Commission.
⚠️ VIOLATIONS & LIABILITY:
Anyone maintaining an outdoor fire may be held responsible for fire suppression costs and damages caused by the fire. Violations of the ordinance may constitute a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 365 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
The burn ban is intended to protect the lives and property of Dent County residents during the current dry conditions. Please do not burn. Even a small fire can spread rapidly when vegetation is dry.
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with your friends, family, neighbors, and local organizations.