Farmers and other property owners in a southwestern Missouri village are being offered free water to fight grass fires amid continuing heat and drought.
KOLR-TV reports the Lawrence County village of Freistatt announced plans Wednesday to provide water to anyone living within a three-mile radius. Those taking advantage of the offer must have a portable tank to hold 3,000 to 5,000 gallons.
The water can be used only to prevent or fight grass fires.
Freistatt dug a new well about eight years ago. Village trustees chairman Mike Ortwein says the free water is being offered because ponds are evaporating and wells that provide water for livestock are being put to the test.
Ortwein says the goal is partly to help stop rural fires from spreading to the village.
