BROOKHAVEN — Despite much needed rainfall, Lincoln County’s drought conditions persist according to the United States Drought Monitor. While there are more chances of rain over the weekend and into next week, it is unknown when the drought conditions will be alleviated.

According to Drought.Gov, 91 percent of Lincoln County is in moderate drought with 9 percent of the northern part of Lincoln County listed as abnormally dry. United States Forest Service reports it could take up to six inches of rain for Lincoln County to return to normal soil moisture levels.

National Interagency Fire Center warns there is above normal likelihood of significant wildfires to occur in Mississippi in November, December and January. Dead pine trees from last year’s drought and pine beetle outbreak pose increased risks to responders in Mississippi. Southern Area Predictive Services warns there could be worsening drought impacts and an increase in wildfires until more frequent wetting rainfall returns for counties in Mississippi and Alabama including Lincoln County.

For firefighters, the conditions could be a concern due to typical barriers to fire spread such as roads, rivers and hardwood bottoms may not having the same impact. There could be heavy fuel loading and standing dead trees could contribute to fire intensity and present a hazard to firefighters in the area.

The advisory published by the Southern Area Predictive Services warns there could be additional reburn due to freshly fallen leaves in the days or weeks after wildfire suppression. Fire break will need to be constructed wider to prevent fires from jumping lines.