Mississippi Forestry Commission fought over 700 wildfires in two months
Published 3:13 pm Wednesday, October 4, 2023
- A fire fighter with the Mississippi Forestry Commission takes a drink of water in the reflection of a side-by-side mirror. After a fire in Lawerence County was put out today another one started in Lincoln County off of Pricedale Drive. (Hunter Cloud | The Daily Leader)
BROOKHAVEN — Mississippi Forestry Commission fought 755 Wildfires in August and September across the state and the number could grow in the coming weeks. Wildfire danger is growing into this weekend with dry conditions, steady winds and low humidity persisting.
NWS Jackson warns the conditions could allow for fire to grow quickly. Lincoln County is currently under a burn ban and open burning of any kind is discouraged. Citations for violating the burn ban will be issued by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
Residents can limit the fire risk by taking simple precautions such as disposing of cigarette butts properly, putting up trailer chains so they don’t drag on the roadways and abstaining from any management work involving a lawn mower or brush hog.
Conditions are so dry all it takes is one spark to set the County on fire again. Lincoln County has had a break from fighting fires the last week and a half but there is concern more fires could start as drought conditions get worse.
Thursday and Friday have slight chances of rain but it will not be enough to lift the burn ban. Thursday night has the highest chance with a 40 percent of showers. Friday’s chance of rain is 30 percent.
Saturday through Tuesday is forecast to be sunny with no further chances of rain in sight. The burn ban remains in effect until further notice so please stay vigilant.
Volunteer fire departments in Lincoln County need help in several ways. People can donate water and snacks such as peanut butter crackers to the departments. Able bodied residents can volunteer for their local fire department by calling the fire station in their district or calling the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency.