Low humidity, lack of rainfall and high winds means a statewide open-burn warning has been issued by the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Fire Marshal Randy Cole says it’s tempting to burn leaves and trash this time of year, but says it’s too dry and windy. He’s urging everyone to wait until we get more rain, which is at least into next week.

The National Weather Service has issued a red-flag warning for all Missouri counties south of Interstate 44, but Cole says similarly dry conditions reach up into northern Missouri as well. He says it’s not worth risking the safety of fire service personel and residents.