Missouri’s drought conditions have increased the threat of wildfires across the state.

Governor Jay Nixon (D) presided over a drought briefing today at the Missouri State Fair for emergency management and public safety workers.  He says the wildfire risk will stretch into fall, as drought conditions are now expected to last through November.

“It makes common sense," Nixon told reporters afterward.  "When the leaves get brown, they’re easier to burn than when they’re green, and consequently I think the fire challenges we’re gonna face in the fall stand a chance to be more significant even than they’ve been this summer.”

Governor Nixon also announced that around 4,900 water project applications from farmers have been approved, as part of an emergency program announced last month.  The governor also says they’re continuing to monitor river levels on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. 

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