ZETUS — Firefighters have contained a blaze in west Lincoln County. The fire started Wednesday afternoon.

Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Reid said the fire is on Echo Lane NW and appears to be a pretty good size fire.

Volunteer Fire Departments Zetus, Loyd Star, Hog Chain and East Lincoln are on scene fighting the blaze. Mississippi Forestry Commission is also on scene to help assist.

Forestry often uses a dozer to create firebreaks in fighting fires. MFC has fought 1,030 fires since August 1 and over 16,000 acres have burned since then.

A hint of smoke is in the air in Northwest Lincoln County north of the fire. MFC Public Information Officer  Kevin Craft said it now contained and will have an updated acreage later.

A reminder that Lincoln County remains under a burn ban. MFC Fire Chief Randy Giachelli reminds the public it has a role in keeping fires from starting.

“Please remember that 9 of 10 wildfires are human-caused.  The slightest spark can cause a wildfire,” Giachelli said in a press release. “Even small things like throwing cigarette butts out of a car, dragging chains, or other towing mechanisms down the street behind a vehicle can cause a fire. If you start a fire, you can be held accountable or fined for damages.”

Check back for more updates on this developing story.