Welcome to Union Fire Protection District

The Union Fire Protection District would like to remind all about river float hazards. In past years during the summer months the Fire District has been dispatched to many requests to locate lost persons on the local Bourbeuse River. When lost persons have been located their responses are the same. They had no idea the float would take so long, and they did not realize the river was so low. They had to carry their raft or canoe many times. “Exhaustion is common to all floaters we have to assist off the river” says Fire Chief Russell Hamilton. “Given the river’s constant changing conditions It is easy to exceed one’s physical limitations and experience.” The Bourbeuse river naturally can create cell phone or communication challenges due to its low elevation and surrounding environment. There use can be very limited. It is important to let others know of your float trip plans to include but not limited to the departure time, location, river route, take out point and estimated time of arrival to the takeout point. With local river conditions constantly changing, it is often difficult to meet estimated arrival times. The key to any river float trip is being prepared and having a current knowledge of the river and its challenges. The Union Fire Protection District wants to remind everyone to be sure personal flotation devices are used and never swim or boat alone. Be sure to follow the rules and regulations of the Missouri Department of Conservation access points while having a safe and fun summer river experience.   

Please keep in mind the number of persons in the Community contracting COVID-19 is increasing every day. We all are trying to return to our normal daily routines however, more time is needed for a vaccine to be developed and administered. 

In the meantime, continue to practice everyday preventive actions as recommended by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are working to help keep you and the community safe from the threat of a novel, or new corona virus. Take the following everyday steps to help avoid the spread of not only the Covid but all respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue away, and then wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Continue social distancing, staying six feet apart.
• Recommend wearing a face mask when in public.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces such as 

                    remote controls and doorknobs.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home if you are sick. Call your doctor if you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

The Union Fire Protection District is asking residents to use caution when open burning on their property. Open burning of tree limbs and residential brush is allowed only outside the Union City limits. The open burning period is limited to the period beginning September 16th and ending April 14th. Brush piles are limited to 16 square feet and the burning may occur between the hours of 10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. 

The Franklin County area has received favorable precipitation in the recent few weeks, yet conditions can become unfavorably dry in a matter of days. A resident who is burning on their property can quickly create an escalating out of control natural cover fire resulting in damage to others’ properties. Such fires have been known to spread to homes and structures destroying them. 

Prior to open burning one should contact the Franklin County Communication Center at 636-583-2567 or Union Fire Protection District Station #1 at 636-583-2515 to confirm open burning will be allowed given the current or forecasted weather conditions.

 Some guidelines to follow are: 

· Burn piles should be limited to 16 sq. ft.

· Do not burn within 50’ of a structure

· Wind speed must be less than 10 miles an hour

· Humidity should be greater than 50%

· Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, dirt, or sand on hand as an extinguishing agent

All open burning should be constantly attended, and residents need to have the availability to call 911 if their open burning should get out of control. Household trash, tires, shingles, siding, and treated lumber should not be burned.