Fire officials are reminding citizens that much of the state is still under a burn ban, a large part of it until further notice.
A burn ban, which means no outdoor burning of any kind, is a restriction on outdoor burning during drought or wildfire conditions. The County Board of Supervisors normally requests burn bans, and the Mississippi Forestry Commission approves the requests. All burn bans expire at midnight on the stated date of expiration.
Anyone who knowingly and willfully violates a burning ban is guilty of a misdemeanor. These persons may receive a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500.
Hinds, Madison, and Rankin Counties are all under the ban until further notice, along with Clarke, Lauderdale, Yazoo, Warren, Claiborne, Wilkinson, Forrest, Lamar, Greene, George, Jackson, Harrison, Sharkey, Issaquena, Jefferson, Scott, Perry, Newton, Stone, Copiah, Pearl River, Wayne, Lincoln, Jones, Jasper, Franklin, Simpson, Pike, Hancock, Smith, Jefferson Davis, Adams, Marion, Covington, Walthall, Amite, and Lawrence Counties.
Sunflower County’s ban expires Sept. 21; Humphreys on Sept. 25; Washington on Sept. 30; Attala on Oct. 1; Leake on Oct. 16; and Bolivar on Nov. 20.
What is Not Allowed During a Burn Ban
Anything with an open flame that produces an ember is not allowed during a burn ban. The wind can carry floating embers away from the original fire and start a spot fire up to one-half mile away from the burning area. This includes:
- Campfires
- Bonfires
- Fire pits
- Fire rings
- Burn barrels
- Debris burning
- Field burning
What is Allowed During a Burn Ban
- Propane/Gas grills
- Propane/Gas heaters
- Charcoal grills
