Forest Service firefighters are responding to a wildfire, designated the 1039 Fire, burning on the Mark Twain National Forest in an area about 12 miles south of Cassville and about 6 miles northeast of Seligman. 

Initial response estimated the fire at 50 acres, in rough terrain, and growing. Three Forest Service engines, two dozers, and the Mark Twain Veteran Crew are actively working to suppress the wildfire. Firefighters will also be utilizing a drone to assist in coordinating their response.

Residents and hunters in the area are asked to drive slowly, or stay off the roads, if possible, in the fire area for firefighter safety. Vehicles will be parked alongside, and crews will be working from these steep, hilly roads that often have very little room to pull off. 

Hunters are also asked to stay out of the interior of the fire perimeter until the fire is completely controlled and contained. After a fire moves through an area, it can leave underground hot spots and weakened dead trees. Once the fires perimeter is secured, firefighters will conduct mop-up operations to identify and extinguish hot spots.

The fire has growth potential and is expected to produce smoke visible from the nearby towns and Roaring River State Park for at least a couple days. Currently there are no structures threatened.