The Mississippi Forestry Commission is warning residents to avoid outdoor burning as dry conditions, high temperatures and strong winds create a heightened wildfire risk across the state.
The commission said the combination of critically dry vegetation, low humidity and gusty winds associated with the outer flow of Hurricane Isaias could create significant fire potential beginning Friday.
Eighteen Mississippi counties are already under active burn bans, where outdoor burning is prohibited.
Forestry officials said relative humidity could fall into the 20% range across much of the state. Wind gusts are expected to reach 15 to 20 mph in northern Mississippi and 20 to 35 mph closer to the coast.
Officials warned that those conditions could allow a small spark or ember to spread quickly, especially in areas with extremely dry vegetation.
The Forestry Commission is asking residents to postpone debris burning, fire pits and other open flames until conditions improve, even in counties not currently under a burn ban.
Officials said embers can travel long distances in windy conditions and potentially threaten homes, forests and surrounding communities.
