JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – On Friday, Governor Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) signed a proclamation initiating a partial statewide burn ban, effective immediately.

The following 40 counties will be under the burn ban, which will remain in place until further notice: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Clarke, Copiah, Covington, Forrest, Franklin, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Issaquena, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Jefferson, Jones, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Newton, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Walthall, Warren, Wayne, Wilkinson, and Yazoo.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) has activated its Incident Management Team to help facilitate rapid deployment to wildfires.

Reeves said the partial state-level burn ban is effective immediately and will have no exemptions. The burn ban was implemented due to increased wildfire occurrences, high drought index, dry vegetation, and the forecasted weather patterns statewide over the next ten days.

“Much of the state is experiencing significant drought conditions,” said Reeves. “With the current drought conditions and little rainfall in the forecast, we are taking action now to protect the public. The state of Mississippi will continue to monitor conditions and respond as needed.”

Under a partial statewide burn ban, outdoor burning of any kind is prohibited in the specified counties. Persons caught violating a burn ban can be fined and held responsible for any damages caused by a fire.

Due to drought conditions, the MFC is discouraging any unnecessary outdoor burning, even in parts of the state that are not under the burn ban. Gas, propane, and charcoal grills are safe to use when using safe handling precautions.

Mississippians can call 911 or contact MFC’s Central Dispatch at 833-MFC-FIRE to report a wildfire.