BROOKHAVEN — Wildfires are starting to pick back up again in southwest Mississippi. Lincoln County residents should consider Smokey Bear’s message for the past 80 years “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

Mississippi Forestry Commission reports 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by human error meaning 90 percent of all wildfires are preventable. 

Smokey Bear was first created on August 9, 1944. Mississippi Forester Russell Bozeman stated Smokey’s wildfire message is still as important today as it was 80 years ago. 

If people see a wildfire, they should call 911 immediately to get first responders en route. MFC states usually volunteer fire departments and local fire departments will usually be the closest ones with water to protect homes. 

People should next Call 833-MFC-Fire for equipment to be dispatched to help control the blaze. MFC uses bulldozers and hand crews to fight wildfires. 

Wildfires can be stressful for landowners. MFC states they work together with responding agencies to protect homes. On high fire danger days, MFC airplanes take to the sky to assess fires for first responders. Mississippi’s normal wildfire season is from October to April. 

Drying conditions

It is likely more grass fires will occur as the environment dries out. According to the USDA Drought Monitor, 89.71 percent of Lincoln County is listed as being under abnormally dry conditions. It is the first step in a drought.

NWS Jackson’s long range forecast shows drought conditions are not expected to worsen over the next month or this season at this time. 

MFC Director of Communications Shannon Coker reports when KBDI numbers reach 700 and drought conditions worsen then wildfires pick up. Parts of southwest Mississippi are at 600 KBDI right now. 

“MFC usually sees an uptick of wildfires in August and it picks up in September-November. October is always a dry month,” Coker said. We watch our weather station data daily and monitor fire weather. Tale-tale signs to watch for are KBDI getting closer to 700 and the US drought map. Where those maps line up can cause us problems with big fires.” 

Last week, the MFC responded to 3 fires in Jackson and Harrison Counties which burned 176 acres in total. Since Aug. 1, MFC suppressed 37 wildfires on 695 acres. MFC Fire Chief Randy Giachelli said they are keeping an eye on conditions. 

“MFC started detection flights today due to the high temps and dry conditions,” Giachelli said. “The one ingredient we do not need is wind. Fire numbers will increase when we see the green grass turning brown on roadsides, pastures and yards. We see the beginning stages of this now. Please be careful with any flame or sparks around fine fuels, grass and pine needles, as we continue to dry out.” 

High temperatures can pose a threat to first responders and can make wildfire control measures difficult. 

Wildfires can happen at any time of the year. Humidity less than 35 percent, a little wind and small fire can get away quickly. Coker said people should never burn on windy days. 

Wildfire prevention

In the biggest Mississippi wildfire last week, 55 homes were threatened but thankfully not damaged. Giachelli said the fire behavior in the Jackson County wildfires were aggressive. 

MFC recommends homeowners maintain a defensible space around their home to help prevent damage from a grass fire or wildfire. 

Defensible space includes limiting flammable vegetation. Most homes in Southwest Mississippi already have defensible space with well cut yards. MFC recommends people keep their yard clean, mowed and driveways cleared. Keep limbs trimmed back and gates in good working order. 

 MFC’s Firewise page reminds people to ensure their home and neighborhood has legible and clearly marked streets and numbers for first responder access. 

Fire can be a great tool in habitat management but be sure to check conditions before and during your prescribed burn. Get a burn permit from the Mississippi Forestry Commission and contact E911 dispatch to let them know you plan to burn. Be sure you have a fire break of bare dirt to contain your fire.