Van Buren Fire & Rescue

Anyone who lives in or owns a property in the Van Buren Fire Department’s coverage area must purchase a fire tag - our department is not supported by property taxes like some departments. (Residents inside the city limits of Van Buren are exempt from fire tags) Fire tags are due June 30th of each year. A prorated tag can be purchased today for $58 at the Van Buren City Hall. What happens if I don’t have a fire tag? ... -We will still respond but you will be responsible for a $100 response fee plus up to $500 per hour while we are responding to the incident. What happens if I don’t pay the response fees? -Missouri law allows fire departments to file a lien against property for unpaid Fire response fees. This is always a last resort but can be used if no effort is made to make payment arrangements. Why are response fees so high? -An average response to a house Fire requires trucks that cost more than $200,000.00, Personal protective equipment that costs $2500.00 per firefighter and numerous pieces of additional equipment. To replace everything it takes for an average response it would cost over $350,000! Fire Tags and the fees we charge make up 95% of our department budget - Please consider supporting the Van Buren Fire Dept by purchasing a fire tag today.

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 9 AM this morning to 6 PM CST this evening. ...GUSTY WINDS AND HIGH FIRE DANGER TODAY... South to southwest winds 15 to 30 mph, with gusts 30 to 40 mph are forecast today.... The gusty winds and very dry air across the area will result in a high fire danger today. There should be no burning today. A fire could quickly spread and get out of control. Conditions will improve after sunset.

Don’t forget your umbrella or rain jacket it’s going to be another wet one today! Also remember turn around don’t drown!!!Don’t forget your umbrella or rain jacket it’s going to be another wet one today! Also remember turn around don’t drown!!!

Please avoid any outdoor burning today.

Elevated Fire Danger Today - NWS Special Weather Statement: South winds will increase this morning and become quite strong this afternoon. Sustained winds from 15 to 25 mph with gusts from30 to 40 mph are forecast across much of the region. ... In addition to the gusty winds, it will be warm and very dry across the region today. Afternoon relative humidity levels will drop into the 25 to 35 percent range, which will create an elevated fire danger across the entire region. Burning is strongly discouraged throughout the area this afternoon.