Red flag warning issued for Warren County

Last updated: October 15, 2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Warren County has been put under a red flag warning today though tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 16. Additionally, there is a fire weather watch in effect until Saturday, Oct. 17, for central and eastern Mississippi.

Wind gust will pick up to sit between 25 to 35 mph on Friday and Saturday, and the gusty winds could help fires spread quickly. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged for Friday and Saturday. Also be sure to secure tow chains to prevent sparks, and don’t throw cigarettes on the ground, take the steps to discard of them properly.

The purpose of the Fire Weather Watch and Red Flag Warning is to alert the public and land management agencies of developing weather conditions that, when combined with critically dry wild land fuels, could lead to dangerous wildfires.

For Mississippi red flag/fire weather watch conditions are relative humidity less or equal to 25 percent and 20 foot wind speed of greater or equal to 15 mph.

Red flag warnings are usually only issued during the spring and fall fire weather seasons, February 15 – April 30 and October 1 – December 15. When warnings are issued, officials know to curtail planned burns and to be on the lookout for wildfires.

Warren County fire officials have been instructed to do the following:

• Protect life first, including responder life. Have personnel on scene assess immediate threats and communicate the incident’s priority to dispatch. Update that assessment as conditions change so resources can be focused on the greatest needs.
• Make the call early. If a fire is beyond local capability to control, notify MFC through established channels before the situation escalates.
• Coordinate aviation and drone operations. MFC advises that aviation operations are planned. Coordinate with MFC crews before launching drones and comply with applicable aviation requirements.
• Do not rely on familiar barriers or appearances. Dry creeks, green grass, and hardwood leaf litter may offer little resistance. Trees with green foliage may still be weakened by burning roots or fire damage. Position apparatus so it can remain safe and leave quickly.
• Maintain LCES and prepare for evacuation support. Keep Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones in place and reassess them as fire behavior changes. Protect access routes and coordinate evacuation and traffic-management needs with the appropriate county partners.

Call 911 to report any fires in the area. Emergency management can be reached at 601-636-1544 in non emergency cases.