A quick save by Jefferson City firefighters prevented a small cover fire from growing into a structure fire Friday morning.
Otis Robinson, a resident Roland Street, was burning leaves and tree limbs in a backyard burn barrel when his lawn caught fire. Robinson said winds were calm when he started, but a surprise gust, combined with the fire's warm air currents, caused some debris to drift away.
"It was only one leaf that blew up ... it rose on the heat of the fire," Robinson said, noting he typically does most of his burning in the fall. "I'm sorry it happened."
When it landed on the dry grass, the blaze took hold and expanded into two neighbors' yards and threatened their homes. The fire left the winter's brown grass charred and blackened.
"It is a good thing the homes were all brick and concrete," said Fire Captain Kevin Bagby. "We could've had a mess."
Bagby said the department sent one truck to cope with the cover fire report, but expanded its response when homes were threatened. By mid-morning, two engines, a squad, one ladder truck and the assistant chief responded to the blaze.
Dry and windy conditions have made outdoor burning a problem in recent weeks, Bagby said. Today is the last day to legally burn outdoors within the city.
Bagby noted Jefferson City offers a free composting service for residents. Tree limbs, grass clippings, leaves and other yard waste can be dropped off at 2417 Southridge Drive. Starting Sunday, the new, expanded hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
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