HEUCKS RETREAT — Strong wind gusts reaching 40 mph were warned to potentially cause power outages and downed trees. It is the wind which sparked a small grass fire and Heucks Retreat Volunteer Fire Department to be dispatched to Sandifer Lane Tuesday afternoon.

On scene, a tree was down in the roadway with a dead power line. Firefighters could actually see where the line had burned dry fuel in the gravel road leading to two areas of pine straw which burned. Higher humidity and a light drizzle helped control the fire and volunteers were able to use a rake to get the rest under control.

While volunteers were out on the call, a tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service for Lincoln, Franklin, Copiah, Jefferson, Lawrence and Pike Counties until 7 p.m. Tuesday night.

Check back for more updates before, during and after severe storms threaten the area.