JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Leaders with the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) announced some counties are under a burn ban. Mississippi has been placed under several excessive heat warnings this summer.
The following counties were placed under burn bans by the MFC:
- Adams County – Expires Aug. 31, 2023
- Amite County – Expires Sept. 4, 2023
- Copiah County – Expires Sept. 16, 2023
- Covington County – Expires Sept. 8, 2023
- Franklin County – Expired Sept. 14, 2023
- Hancock County – Expires Aug. 31, 2023
- Jasper County – Expires Sept. 14, 2023
- Jefferson Davis County – Expires Sept. 5, 2023
- Jones County – Expires Aug. 31, 2023
- Lawrence County – Expires Aug. 21, 2023
- Lincoln County – Expires Sept. 4, 2023
- Marion County – Expires Sept. 10, 2023
- Pearl River County – Expires Sept. 30, 2023
- Pike County – Expires Aug. 31, 2023
- Rankin County – Expires Sept. 15, 2023
- Simpson County – Expires Sept. 11, 2023
- Smith County – Expires Sept. 9, 2023
- Walthall County – Expires Aug. 30, 2023
- Wayne County – Expires Oct. 14, 2023
Leaders with the City of Byram and City of Clinton announced the cities have been placed under burn bans.
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.
“Wildfire prevention is of utmost importance, especially during these dry and hot conditions,” said Randy Giachelli, Mississippi Fire Chief for the MFC. “By following a few simple guidelines, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfires and protect our communities.”
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.
“It’s always fire season somewhere in the U.S., and every region of the country can be susceptible to wildfires,” added Giachelli. “While prescribed fires are necessary in some ecosystems and are executed by professionals, we also focus on preventing unwanted, human-caused wildfires.”