Department of Conservation, local fire departments working to contain blaze

By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

A wildfire detected on Thursday at 11 p.m. is still burning today as the Department of Conservation and local fire departments work to contain the blaze.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the Seligman Hollow Fire is not alarmingly large by wildfire standards, but high winds Friday have prompted a heightened response by the Forest Service and its partners.

The wildfire is located in Mark Twain National Forest, about four miles northeast of Seligman, and response efforts are being managed under unified command stablished with local, state and federal resources.

“Hand crews, fire engines, dozers and helicopters are all being utilized to fight the fire,” A Forest Service release said. “Wind gusts of 50 mph are predicted for the area [Friday] — which raises concerns that embers from the interior of the fire’s footprint could potentially blow outside established containment lines. All efforts are being made to contain the Seligman Fire within its current control lines. 

“Firefighters will continue suppression activities and have additional resources available if containment lines are breached.”

The fire is not related to Forest Service prescribed burns and is assumed to be human-caused. The source of the blaze is under investigation.

The Eagle Rock-Golden-Mano Fire Protection District has also issued a burn ban, effective immediately.

“Due to the current dry conditions and increased risk of wildfires, we must take proactive measures to protect our community,” a District release said. “We urge everyone to exercise extreme caution and refrain from any outdoor burning activities until further notice. Let’s work together to prevent wildfires and keep our community safe.”