SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI — Several southwest Mississippi counties are under burn bans as of Thursday morning, restricting all outdoor burning amid ongoing dry conditions.
According to county officials and the Mississippi Forestry Commission, burn bans are currently in effect for the following counties:
- Jefferson Davis County (Feb. 24–March 24)
- Walthall County (Feb. 25–March 11)
- Pike County (Feb. 24–March 31)
- Franklin County (Feb. 24–March 24)
- Wilkinson County (Feb. 23–March 23)
- Amite County (Feb. 23–March 23)
Scattered light rain showers could move across the region Thursday morning, with higher rain and thunderstorm chances expected late Thursday afternoon into the evening as a cold front pushes through the state. Isolated severe storms capable of producing hail up to quarter size are possible across parts of north and central Mississippi.
While rainfall in the forecast could improve conditions, officials caution that it may not be enough to immediately lift burn bans. Residents are urged to check the current status of their county’s burn ban before conducting any outdoor burning.
A burn ban is a restriction on outdoor burning during drought or heightened wildfire conditions. County boards of supervisors typically request burn bans, and the Mississippi Forestry Commission approves them. All burn bans expire at midnight on the stated end date unless extended.
Under a burn ban, no outdoor burning of any kind is allowed. The local sheriff’s department enforces burn bans, and anyone who knowingly and willfully violates a ban is guilty of a misdemeanor. Violators may face a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500 under Section 49-19-351 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended.
Items not allowed during a burn ban include campfires, bonfires, fire pits, fire rings, burn barrels, debris burning and field burning. Even small fires can pose a risk, as wind can carry embers up to one-half mile away and ignite spot fires.
Certain activities may be exempt if specifically listed in the county’s burn ban order. Possible exemptions can include certified burn managers, county fire services, commercial contractors using heavy construction equipment in compliance with Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality regulations, agricultural field burns and other designated exceptions.
Propane or gas grills and heaters and charcoal grills are generally allowed, provided they are used according to manufacturer instructions, kept away from combustible materials and never left unattended. Officials stress that charcoal briquettes should be allowed to cool completely and doused with water before being disposed of in a metal container. Ashes should be cold to the touch before disposal.
