Number of burn bans expand as Mississippi goes from floods to drought-like conditions

After a spring and early summer where it seemed like the rain would never end—causing many Mississippians to experience flooding—early fall in the Magnolia State is so dry that many areas are experiencing drought conditions.

Today, the Mississippi Forestry Commission added four counties to its list of burn bans in the state because of the dry, drought-like conditions in many areas. Burn bans are requested by county boards of supervisors and approved by MFC. Typical burn bans are effective for one month, and are enforced by the local sheriff’s department.

“Because of the dry conditions across the state, we have gotten requests from a number of county boards of supervisors to enact burn bans,” said MFC state forester Russell Bozeman in a statement. “A burn ban means outdoor burning of any kind is prohibited.”

Clay, Franklin, Prentiss and Yazoo counties are now under county-wide burn bans, joining the nine counties where bans were declared earlier this month, bringing the total to 13. The counties previously put under burn bans are: Adams, Copiah, Lauderdale, Lee, Lincoln, Montgomery, Rankin, Simpson and Tate counties.

Vicksburg and Warren County firefighters have already put out several grass fires most likely caused by lit cigarettes tossed from car windows, or chains and other metal parts sparking on roadways.

“Under state law, any person who knowingly and willfully violates a burn ban is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined up to $500,” Bozeman said.

The MFC says that we need six to seven inches of rain to bring soil moisture conditions back to normal.

The commission is urging the public to use extreme caution when starting outdoor fires. Any spark or ember can start a wildfire.

Here are some tips to help reduce the risk:

• Do not burn on windy days.
• If you start a fire, do not leave the flame unattended.
• Make sure coals are cool to the touch. This indicates the fire is completely out.
• Wait until after a rain event before doing any outdoor burning.

To be on the safe side, check for county burn bans at www.mfc.ms.gov/burn-bans. Check with local government for city burn bans. Among the cities under bans are Starkville, West Point, Pontotoc and Louisville.

“Being aware of the current conditions is the best way people can keep themselves and their property safe,” Bozeman said. “If there is any question on whether you should or shouldn’t burn, choose to wait.”