Mississippi Forestry Commission Issues Burn Bans

The Mississippi Forestry Commission has placed several counties across Mississippi under active burn bans. The following counties are affected:

Adams, Carroll, Clay, Franklin, Montgomery, Noxubee, and Winston.

Burn Ban IssuedPhoto bypixabay

The MFC assesses the risk for wildfires using the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), and estimates that six to seven inches of rain are needed to restore normal soil moisture.

According to State Forester Russell Bozeman, "Due to the extremely dry conditions, several county boards of supervisors have requested burn bans. A burn ban prohibits outdoor burning, and is a clear indicator that erratic wildfire conditions exist endangering the public and our wildland firefighters that are responding."

Burn bans are initiated by county boards of supervisors and approved by the Mississippi Forestry Commission and usually last for one month. It is up to local Sheriff Departments to enforce these bans.

"State law stipulates that anyone who knowingly and willfully violates a burn ban may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $500," added Bozeman.

According to a statement released by MFC, they urge the public to exercise extreme caution when starting outdoor fires, as even a small spark or ember can ignite a wildfire. To help reduce the risk, the following safety tips are recommended:

• Verify if there is a city or county burn ban in effect. County burn bans are listed at www.mfc.ms.gov/burn-bans. Check with local authorities for city-specific bans.
• Avoid burning on windy days.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Ensure that coals are completely cool to the touch before leaving a site, indicating the fire is fully extinguished.
• Consider waiting until after a rainfall before initiating any outdoor burning.

"Staying informed about current conditions is crucial for protecting yourself and your property," said Bozeman. "If there's any doubt about whether it's safe to burn, it’s best to wait."

Smokey Bear’s reminder, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” is particularly relevant for all Mississippians in these dry conditions.

For more information, visit www.mfc.ms.gov, and follow @MSForestryComm on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.