Though Lincoln County isn’t officially under a burn ban, prolonged warm and dry conditions have made outdoor burning hazardous. With no rain in the immediate forecast, potentially dangerous fire conditions will continue.

Most Mississippi counties are under a burn ban. Nearby, Copiah and Amite counties are under the ban.

“A partial state burn ban covering 52 counties is in effect and open burning has been strongly discouraged,” the National Weather Service said in a statement. “Conditions will remain dry and fuels could ignite quickly. A spark from mechanical equipment, the heat from a catalytic converter or any direct heat source could easily start a grass or brush fire.”

The weather service recommends that people not throw cigarette butts out of vehicle windows. When using a charcoal grill, do not dump ashes unless they are completely out. Live coals can burn for several hours after being used. In general, the weather service doesn’t recommend any outdoor burning.

The state Forestry Commission has responded to more than 450 wildfires since Sept. 1. Be smart when it comes to outdoor burning. Hopefully, the Forestry Commission won’t have to respond to one here.