The Reporter newspaper, Camdenton Missouri

The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.

Published April 1, 2026

Two fires, over 1,000 acres

CLIMAX SPRINGS – In the past week the Northwest Fire Protection District (NWFPD) fought two brush fires that consumed over 1,000 acres.

The first one took place on Thursday, March 26 at 3:08 p.m. when the NWFPD was dispatched by Camden County 911 for reports of smoke in the area of Alta Drive and Swaying Oak Drive.

Units arrived to find a significant amount of smoke in the area but were initially unable to locate the source.

Crews conducted a thorough search and ultimately identified a rapidly spreading natural cover fire estimated at approximately 30 acres, burning through wooded terrain and timber slash.

Firefighters immediately initiated structure protection efforts while simultaneously working to establish fire lines to slow the spread.

Due to extremely low humidity and strong winds, the fire proved difficult to control and repeatedly breached established control lines.

Recognizing the potential for rapid expansion, crews prepared nearby structures and conducted backfiring operations to remove fuel ahead of the advancing fire. Mutual aid was requested from the Southwest Camden County Fire Protection District.

Through coordinated efforts, crews were able to establish wider control lines and conduct strategic backburning operations, successfully stopping the forward progress of the fire.

The fire ultimately burned approximately 422 acres before being contained.

NWFPD responded with five brush trucks and one engine, staffed by a total of 13 personnel.

No structures were damaged or destroyed, and no injuries were reported.

“The Northwest Fire Protection District extends its sincere appreciation to all assisting agencies for their quick response, teamwork and dedication in bringing this incident under control,” a spokesman said.

The second blaze took place last Sunday with the call coming in at 3:55 p.m.

The NWFPD was dispatched to a reported natural cover fire in the area of State Highway FF and Lick Creek Road in Edwards, Missouri.

Upon arrival, crews encountered a rapidly advancing fire estimated at approximately 100 acres, burning through wooded terrain and timber slash with erratic fire behavior and spread in multiple directions.

Firefighters immediately initiated structure protection operations while also working to establish fire lines to slow the progression of the fire.

Due to continued dry conditions, low relative humidity, and gusting winds, the fire posed a significant risk for rapid expansion.

Crews implemented suppression tactics, including backfiring operations to remove fuel ahead of the advancing fire.
Mutual aid assistance was requested from the Deer Creek Volunteer Fire Protection District.

Responders were able to establish expanded control lines and conduct burnout operations, ultimately stopping the forward progress of the fire.

The fire burned an estimated 582 acres before being declared contained. Crews continue to monitor and address hot spots within the interior (“black”) of the fire area, where logs and standing timber remain smoldering.

The NWFPD responded with four brush trucks and a tanker, staffed by eight personnel. No structures were damaged or destroyed and no injuries were reported.

The Northwest Fire Protection District has experienced an increase in wildfire activity due to ongoing dry weather conditions. Low humidity and persistent winds continue to elevate fire danger across the region.

Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid outdoor burning and remain vigilant.