RANKIN COUNTY — Rankin County has joined 10 other Mississippi counties under outdoor burn bans as hot, dry and windy conditions increase the risk of wildfires across parts of the state.
The Rankin County Board of Supervisors, working with the Mississippi Forestry Commission, approved a 30-day burn ban that takes effect Friday, Aug. 21. The ban will remain in effect through 12:01 a.m. Sept. 21 unless it is ended earlier by the board.
The other counties currently under burn bans are Jefferson, Covington, Grenada, Pike, Lawrence, Walthall, Copiah, Franklin, Simpson and Jefferson Davis. The counties and currently listed expiration dates are:
Rankin: Aug. 21 through Sept. 21
Jefferson: Aug. 18 through Sept. 18
Covington: Aug. 18 through Sept. 18
Grenada: Aug. 18 through Sept. 1
Pike: Aug. 18 through Aug. 31
Lawrence: Aug. 17 through Sept. 7
Walthall: Aug. 17 through Aug. 31
Copiah: Aug. 17 through Sept. 1
Franklin: Aug. 17 through Sept. 17
Simpson: Aug. 14 through Sept. 1
Jefferson Davis: Aug. 15 through Sept. 15
Burn bans restrict outdoor burning because drought and wildfire conditions can allow fires to start and spread quickly. The Mississippi Forestry Commission says anything with an open flame that produces an ember is prohibited during a burn ban.
That includes campfires, bonfires, fire pits, fire rings, burn barrels, debris burning and field burning. Wind can carry embers away from a fire and potentially ignite another fire some distance away.
Propane or gas grills, propane or gas heaters and charcoal grills are allowed, according to the Forestry Commission, but they should be used safely, kept away from combustible materials and never left unattended. Charcoal should be completely cooled and doused with water before disposal.
In Rankin County, the ban applies to all outdoor burning activities, including agricultural land-clearing. Exemptions apply to the Mississippi Forestry Commission, certified burn managers, Rankin County Fire Services and commercial contractors using heavy construction equipment, provided applicable Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality regulations are followed.
Local sheriff’s departments enforce burn bans. Under Mississippi law, anyone who knowingly and willfully violates a burn ban can be charged with a misdemeanor and fined between $100 and $500.
Rankin County officials said limited rainfall, low humidity and high winds have created conditions that increase the potential for wildfires to start and spread rapidly. Residents and businesses are urged to comply with the ban to help protect lives, property and natural resources.
For more information about the Rankin County burn ban, contact Rankin County Emergency Operations at 601-825-1499.
