MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) A Fire Weather Watch is in effect Friday for much of central Mississippi. That includes Lauderdale and Neshoba counties. The National Weather Service in Jackson says the watch runs from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.
Forecasters say strong winds and dry air will team up with very dry grass and leaves. Because of that, any fire that starts could spread fast. The weather service says outdoor burning is not recommended.
What to expect Friday
Winds will blow from the north at 15 to 25 mph. Gusts could reach 35 mph.
Humidity will also drop. Humidity is how much water is in the air. Forecasters expect it to drop as low as 25 to 45 percent.
On top of that, the weather service calls fuels critically dry. Fuels are things that burn easily, like grass, leaves, brush and pine straw.
The weather service warns these fires could become a danger to lives.
Which counties are included
The watch covers a large part of the state. In East Mississippi, it includes Lauderdale, Neshoba, Kemper, Newton, Clarke, Jasper, Leake, Scott, Smith, Winston, Noxubee and Attala counties.
It also covers the Jackson metro area, the Delta and parts of the Pine Belt. Parts of southeast Arkansas and northeast Louisiana are included, too.
What a watch means
A watch means dangerous fire weather is in the forecast. It does not mean it is happening yet.
However, the weather service says it may upgrade the watch to a Red Flag Warning. A warning is a step up. So, keep an eye on the forecast Thursday night and Friday morning.
How to stay safe
Do not burn trash, leaves or brush on Friday. Even a small pile can get away from you in strong wind.
The Mississippi Forestry Commission says wind can carry burning embers up to half a mile. Those embers can start a new fire far from the first one.
Also, check if your county is under a burn ban before you burn at any time. County supervisors ask for burn bans, and the forestry commission approves them.
During a burn ban, campfires, fire pits, burn barrels and debris burning are not allowed. Gas grills and charcoal grills are still allowed. However, let charcoal cool all the way. Then soak it with water and put it in a metal can.
Breaking a burn ban is a misdemeanor. The fine is $100 to $500. Local sheriff’s offices enforce the bans.
If you see smoke or fire, call 911 right away. You can also report a wildfire to the Mississippi Forestry Commission online.
Stay updated
You can check the latest fire forecast on the weather service fire weather page. The National Weather Service office in Jackson can also be reached at 601.936.2189.
Queen City Newsfeed will update this story if the watch changes.
