MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) East Mississippi burn bans now cover more of our area. Neshoba County joined the list Monday, Oct. 19. Also, several nearby counties have bans. That is because it is so dry and windy.
The Mississippi Forestry Commission keeps the state list of burn bans. However, the list can change fast. Do not count on any map to tell you if your area is under a ban. Always check before you burn.
Which counties are under a burn ban?
Neshoba County: Supervisors approved a countywide ban Monday, Oct. 19. The ban will last at least until the board meets again on Monday, Nov. 2. Then supervisors will look at it again.
Newton County: A countywide ban started Friday, Oct. 16. It runs through Monday, Nov. 2.
Winston County: Supervisors approved a ban on Oct. 5. It lasts through Nov. 2 unless the board changes it.
Leake County: A ban took effect Thursday, Oct. 15. No end date was given.
Jasper County: A ban took effect Monday, Oct. 19. It runs until Nov. 19.
Scott, Attala and Noxubee counties: These three counties are also on the state list. Check with your county for end dates.
What about Lauderdale, Kemper and Clarke counties?
We did not find a ban in these counties at the time of this report. However, that does not mean it is safe to burn. Before you strike a match, call your county emergency management office.
What you can and cannot do
During a burn ban, nothing with an open flame that makes embers is allowed, the forestry commission says. The wind can carry embers up to half a mile. Then those embers can start a new fire.
These are not allowed: campfires, bonfires, fire pits, fire rings, burn barrels, burning trash or brush, and field burning.
These are allowed: gas grills, gas heaters and charcoal grills. Use them the way the maker says. Keep them away from things that can burn. Never leave them alone.
Be extra careful with charcoal. Let the coals cool all the way. Then soak them with water and put them in a metal can. The ash should be cold when you touch it.
What happens if you break a ban?
Your local sheriff’s office enforces burn bans. Breaking a ban on purpose is a misdemeanor under state law. That means a fine of $100 to $500.
Some groups may be allowed to burn. For example, that can include the forestry commission and county fire crews. It can also include trained burn managers. However, each county’s ban lists its own rules.
How to check your county
The state keeps a list of current bans on its burn ban page. Each ban ends at midnight on its end date. But supervisors can add, extend or lift bans at any time.
So call before you burn. You can reach the Mississippi Forestry Commission at 601.359.1386. To report a wildfire, call 911.
For more on last week’s fire danger, read our story on the Fire Weather Watch for Lauderdale and Neshoba counties.
