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Wildfire Prevention

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) is the only state agency responsible for responding to and suppressing wildfires in Mississippi.

MFC Wildland Firefighters work long hours in demanding and dangerous conditions to protect lives, homes, and natural resources.

The MFC detects, monitors, and suppresses wildfire activity occurring day or night on Mississippi’s approximately 20 million acres of forestland.

9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. That means 9 out of 10 wildfires can be prevented. Take care when you burn outdoors.

Wildfires are unplanned and unwanted fires that are very dangerous to people who use the forests and outdoor areas or live in nearby homes and communities. Wildfires also wreak havoc on our natural environment, harming plants and animals and their habitat.

Nationwide, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are human-caused and could have been prevented with proper care and caution. 

In Mississippi, escaped debris burns have been the leading cause of wildfires over the past several years. 

Smokey Bear’s Rules of Fire Prevention

Smokey Bear has been a champion for wildfire prevention since 1944. Although his look has evolved over the years, his message, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” has remained the same. 

To help protect our forests, remember Smokey’s Five Rules of Wildfire Prevention: 

  1. Only you can prevent wildfires. 
  2. Always be careful with fire. 
  3. Never play with matches or lighters. 
  4. Always watch your campfire. 
  5. Make sure your campfire is completely out before leaving it. 

Smokey’s rules don’t just apply to campfires; they are good rules to remember for any fire. 

Visit Smokey Bear’s website for more wildfire prevention tips.

Firewise

The Firewise program equips homeowners and community leaders with the information they need to help design, construct, landscape, and maintain homes or communities to better withstand wildfires. This program is for anyone living in or connected to the Wildland Urban Interface.