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HomeNews & Events Mississippi Forestry Commission Urges Fire Safety July 4th Weekend

Mississippi Forestry Commission Urges Fire Safety July 4th Weekend

The Mississippi Forestry Commission would like to remind everyone celebrating Independence Day this weekend to exercise caution using outdoor grills, campfires, and fireworks.

Charlie Morgan, State Forester, emphasized the far-reaching consequences of wildfire: “Wildfires can start with just a spark, and spread quickly to endanger forestland, personal property, and lives.” Nine out of ten wildfires are preventable and caused by people. Please do your part to help prevent wildfires by exercising proper fire safety. Remember, ‪only you‪can prevent wildfires! ‪

The list below includes recommendations from MFC officials to help you prevent wildfire occurrences:

  • Check local laws and ordinances for your area to make sure fireworks are allowed.
  • Find out if there is a burn ban in effect for your area before burning. For a complete list of burn bans, click here.
  • Avoid shooting fireworks in or near dry grass, leaves, or other combustible materials.
  • Check the local weather forecast – do not discharge fireworks on dry, windy days.
  • Thoroughly soak the area with water where fireworks are to be discharged and have a garden hose or other source of water on hand.
  • The same preventive measures apply when using charcoal grills or campfires. When you are finished using a charcoal grill, always let the coals cool completely and douse in water before disposing of them in a metal container. Never leave a grill unattended.
  • Choose a safe burn site for recreational burning – keep the campfire small, and only burn untreated wood debris (waste, plastic, rubber tires, and other manufactured products may not be burned). To view the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality standards regarding outdoor burning, click here.
  • To report a wildfire, dial 911 or call the Central Dispatch Center for your area, click here.

Resources:

Mississippi Forestry Commission Website – www.mfc.ms.gov
Click here to visit the MFC on Facebook
Click here to visit the MFC on Twitter

Click here to view county burn bans
Click here to view MDEQ standards on outdoor burning
Click here to view the Central Dispatch Center for your area