BROOKHAVEN — A brush pile fire in Heucks Retreat got out of control Saturday and grew to become the biggest wildfire in Lincoln County for 2024. Mississippi Forestry Commission units and Lincoln County volunteer firefighters worked to contain the fire Saturday.

MFC Region 4 Public Information Officer Kevin Craft said the fire burned 8 acres in Lincoln County. Additionally, a wildfire in Lawrence County burned around 231 acres on Sontag-Nola Road just across the county line. 

According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, Lincoln County continues to be in danger of wildfires. Dry fuels and low humidity could be enough to allow fires to get out of hand quickly. Open burning is discouraged in most of Mississippi due to these conditions. 

Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency is asking residents to avoid burning at this time. Trailer chains need to be secured when traveling down roadways as one spark is all it takes to start a wildfire. People should dispose of cigarette butts properly as well and not on the ground. 

Drought conditions are starting to become similar to conditions seen last year as is the fire behavior. Lincoln County EMA director Chris Reid said the fire on Thorn Trail was crowning in the trees. 

People should remember they can be held liable for any damages they cause to other people’s property by any fires they start.