Statewide Wildland Fire Risk Alert
Mississippi is currently under threat for wildfires. The current weather conditions continuing to be dry and breezy along with critically low relative humidity across the state create an increased risk for devastating wildland fires. The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) strongly encourages Mississippians to avoid all outdoor burning.
Mississippi is currently under threat for wildfires. The current weather conditions continuing to be dry and breezy along with critically low relative humidity across the state create an increased risk for devastating wildland fires. The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) strongly encourages Mississippians to avoid all outdoor burning.
MFC has approved county-wide burn bans, effective immediately, for Adams, Panola, Pike, Rankin Scott, Warren, and Yazoo Counties. No outdoor burning of any kind is permitted during a burn ban. MFC will be continually monitoring conditions and updating the list of counties under a burn ban. To view the list and for more information on burn bans, visit mfc.ms.gov/burn-bans.
In addition to the statewide wildland fire risk and the burn bans issued, the U.S. National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for all counties in MS. Under a red flag, MFC does not issue burn permits, and outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. The following counties are under a Red Flag Warning until 6 pm Tuesday. For updates on Red Flag Warnings, visit alerts.weather.gov.
MFC dispatches wildland firefighting personnel and equipment to the location of reported wildfire activity 24/7. MFC’s Wildland Firefighters work long hours in dangerous conditions to protect lives, homes, and natural resources. Since Feb. 1, MFC Wildland Firefighters have contained 261 wildfires that burned 8,659 acres. In the last 24 hours, MFC contained 36 fires that burned 1,700 acres, with the largest fire of the day in Amite County at 474 acres. The leading cause of these wildfires is escaped debris burns.
“We are asking Mississippians to use extreme caution when doing outdoor fire activities. Under the current conditions, it only takes one spark or ember to start a devastating wildfire,” said MFC state forester Russell Bozeman.
If you spot a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 911 and MFC Dispatch at 833-MFC-FIRE. To view a daily fire report which lists currently active and contained fires, visit our website mfc.ms.gov. For additional information and helpful tips, like and follow @MSForestryComm on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
