Mississippi county-wide burn bans more than double since Friday

The number of county-wide burn bans in Mississippi has more than doubled since Friday, bringing the total number to 30 by 2:45 p.m. today, Oct. 1.

Due to the extreme heat and lack of rain of the past month, many parts of the state are experiencing drought or near drought conditions. The Mississippi Forestry Commission expects the number of county burn bans to increase.

“It’s likely we will have a statewide burn ban,” Meacham Harlow, outreach officer with the commission, told The Clarion Ledger today, “but we’re not there yet.

Except for properly set up charcoal and gas grills, all outdoor burning is prohibited during a burn ban. That includes burning of debris, campfires, burn barrels, or anything else with an open flame where embers can be carried by the wind.

Fines for violating a ban can be as much as $500.

Weather conditions are unlikely to alleviate conditions on the ground in Mississippi any time soon. The forecast for much of the state—and much of the South—remains hot and dry for the next week or longer.

For more information, visit the MFC website.