Local Agencies Respond to Multiple Grass Fires

By Marlana Smith

Local fire departments battled three significant brush fires over the weekend as dangerous fire weather conditions swept through the area.

The US National Weather Service issued a fire warning on Friday, February 27, 2026, citing elevated to critical fire danger. “The combination of low humidity, gusty southwesterly winds, and dry vegetation will lead to elevated to critical fire danger today, meaning fires could easily get out of control,” the agency stated on its Facebook page.

Shelby Community Fire Department responded to a brush fire at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, five miles west of Leonard on county road 106. The department was on scene for two hours. The fire burned 15 acres. No structures were damaged, and no injuries were reported. The SCFD was assisted by Clarence Volunteer Fire Department and Novelty Fire Department.

At approximately 7:00 p.m. the same day, a brush fire was reported south of Clarence on Shelby 516. The fire burned an estimated 10 to 15 acres before being brought under control. The Clarence Volunteer Fire Department was assisted by Shelbina Fire Protection District.

The following morning, around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, Clarence firefighters were dispatched to a grass fire reported out of control and threatening a structure. Crews worked to contain the rapidly spreading fire, which ultimately burned an estimated 150 acres.

Several structures were endangered, but no buildings were damaged, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters remained on scene until approximately 7:00 p.m. The fire later rekindled, prompting another response from Clarence at approximately 8:30 p.m. Crews remained on scene until about 10:30 p.m.

Assisting agencies included the Macon Rural Fire Department, Hickory Hollar Farms, and Shelby Co, Mo Joint Communications – Shelby County Sheriff’s/ E-911.