MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) A Red Flag Warning is in effect Friday across East Central Mississippi. The National Weather Service in Jackson says strong winds and dry air could help fires spread fast.
The warning runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. Forecasters also issued a Fire Weather Watch for Saturday, Oct. 17. That watch lasts from Saturday morning through Saturday evening.
What the warning means
A Red Flag Warning means dangerous fire weather is happening now or will start soon. So any fire that starts could grow fast and be hard to stop.
A Fire Weather Watch is one step lower. It means the same dangerous weather could happen. The weather service says the watch could later become a warning.
Why the risk is high
A cold front is moving through the area. Behind it, north winds will blow 15 to 25 mph. Gusts could reach 35 mph.
At the same time, the air will be very dry. Humidity could drop to between 25 and 40 percent. Forecasters also say grass, leaves and brush are critically dry. Because of this, one small spark can turn into a big fire.
Which counties are included
The warning covers much of central and southern Mississippi. These counties in our area are under the warning:
- Attala County
- Clarke County
- Jasper County
- Kemper County
- Lauderdale County
- Leake County
- Neshoba County
- Newton County
- Noxubee County
- Scott County
- Smith County
- Winston County
Saturday’s Fire Weather Watch covers the same counties. Parts of southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana are also included.
How you can help stop fires
The weather service says people should not burn outdoors. You should also avoid anything that makes open flames or sparks.
Do not burn trash, leaves or brush. Hold off on campfires, bonfires and fire pits. If you grill, never leave it alone. When you finish, let charcoal cool all the way. Then soak it with water and put it in a metal can.
Burn bans in our area
Four counties in our area are under a burn ban right now. They are Attala, Noxubee, Scott and Winston counties, the Mississippi Forestry Commission map shows. Lauderdale, Neshoba and the other local counties are not under a ban at this time.
A burn ban is an official order. It means no outdoor burning that makes an open flame or a floating ember. That includes campfires, fire pits, burn barrels and burning debris.
Breaking a burn ban is a misdemeanor, which is a minor crime. The fine is $100 to $500, the commission says. Local sheriff’s departments enforce the bans.
However, gas grills, gas heaters and charcoal grills are still allowed during a burn ban. Just use them safely and never leave them alone.
Even if your county has no ban, the weather service says outdoor burning is not recommended Friday. New bans can also be added. So check the state burn ban page before you burn anything.
What to do if you see a fire
If you see smoke or fire, call 911 right away. You can also report a wildfire to the Mississippi Forestry Commission online.
For the latest updates, check the weather service fire weather page. Forecasters will post there if Saturday’s watch becomes a warning.
