JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – As dry conditions persist in Mississippi this year, some counties have been placed under burn bans.
According to the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC), the following counties were placed under burn bans:
- Adams County – Aug. 5 to Sept. 5, 2024
- Franklin County – Aug. 23 to Sept. 23, 2024
- Noxubee County – Aug. 23 to Sept. 23, 2024
- Winston County – Aug. 22 to Sept. 5, 2024
Burn bans are restrictions on outdoor burning during drought or wildfire conditions.
The local sheriff’s department enforces burn bans, according to MFC officials. Any person who knowingly and willfully violates a burning ban is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Exemptions from a Burn Ban
- Mississippi Forestry Commission
- Certified Burn Managers
- County Fire Services
- Commercial contractors with heavy construction equipment, providing that said burn meets Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) regulations. Read MDEQ’s open burning regulations on their website
- Agricultural field burn
- Other
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
MFC officials are calling on all residents to exercise caution and be fire aware amid the high temperatures and dry conditions.
The MFC advises residents to:
- Refrain from burning any items on hot, dry, and windy days.
- Obey any burn bans or local notices.
- Remember that nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans.
- Campfires left unattended, careless discarding of smoking materials, hot ashes and BBQ coals, and operating equipment that throws sparks are the primary causes of human-related wildfires.
To ensure the safety of all Mississippians, the MFC urges immediate reporting of any wildfires. If you spot a wildfire, please call 911.