HEUCKS RETREAT — Lincoln County Volunteer Firefighters responded to a wildfire sparked by a train Sunday night. The fire is the third one caused by a train in eight days. 

East Lincoln, Heucks Retreat and New Sight Volunteer Fire Departments responded to properties on Autrey Lane, International Road, Thorn Trail and Heucks Retreat Road. Spots of wildfires burned slowly due to calmer winds and higher humidity than observed conditions on April 5 when fires burned for several miles along the tracks. The Mississippi Forestry Commission established fire breaks with dozers to help contain the wildfires. 

The MFC’s Kevin Craft reported 30 acres were burned in the wildfires Sunday. Heucks Retreat quickly extinguished a grass fire on Haley Trail caused by a train Saturday afternoon. 

The National Weather Service in Jackson warns there is an increased risk of wildfire danger Tuesday. Fires are more likely to escape and get out of control due to humidity dropping to a low of 28 percent in the afternoon paired with forecasted wind gusts between 20 to 25 mph. Open burning is discouraged and drivers need to secure trailer chains. 

Lincoln County is served by Bogue Chitto, East Lincoln, Heucks Retreat, Hog Chain, Loyd Star, New Sight, Ruth and Zetus Volunteer Fire Departments. Contact Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency at 601-833-8561 to learn how you can serve with a volunteer department.