BROOKHAVEN — Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Reid said volunteer firefighters responded to 13 wildfires or grass fire calls this weekend. Conditions are still conducive for fires to get out of control. 

East Lincoln and Bogue Chitto Volunteer Fire Departments were called to a wildfire Monday. Wildland Fire Assessment Systems forecast moderate fire danger conditions Monday similar to conditions Sunday. Relative humidity is still low today, as low as 28 percent, with sustained wind speeds around 8 mph. 

Of the 13 wildfire calls this weekend, five were paged for Zetus, four for Bogue Chitto and one each for Loyd Star, Heucks Retreat, East Lincoln, Hog Chain, New Sight and Ruth. It should be noted the paged department totals may not equate to 13 with some fires requiring mutual aid. 

Statewide, the Mississippi Forestry Commission responded to 180 wildfires this weekend. MFC asked residents to please refrain from burning while low humidity and windy conditions last. The number one cause of wildfires in Mississippi is escaped debris burns. 

If you do decide to burn in the next few weeks, please check the weather, keep water close by and burn piles small, establish a firebreak of bare mineral dirt around your fire and remember if your fire escapes you could be held liable for damages.