At the request and advice of the Mississippi Forestry Commission, Gov. Phil Bryant signed a proclamation initiating a statewide burn ban, effective Oct. 2. The burn ban will remain in place until further notice.
“Much of the state is experiencing significant drought conditions,” said state Forester Russell Bozeman. “Almost half of Mississippi’s 82 counties (including Webster) have implemented burn bans due to the extremely dry conditions.”
Although the area did see a light rain Monday morning, National Weather Service Meteorologist John Moore said last week that a rain event of more than half an inch would be necessary to remedy the current drought conditions, according to published reports.
From Sept. 1-30, MFC wildland firefighters responded to and suppressed 239 wildfires that burned approximately 4,200 acres throughout the state. These fires have threatened hundreds of homes and buildings, destroying seven.
“With the current drought conditions and little rainfall in the forecast, we appreciate Gov. Bryant implementing this statewide burn ban in order protect the public,” Bozeman said. “The MFC will continue to monitor conditions and provide the public with updates on the burn ban as needed.”
Under a statewide burn ban, outdoor burning of any kind is prohibited. Individuals caught violating a burn ban can face a fine of up to $500, as well as be held responsible for any damages caused from a fire.
The Natchez Trace Parkway announced Oct. 1 it was implementing a ban on campfires because of the drought and high fire danger. All campfires are banned on parkway property, including the developed campgrounds at Jeff Busby in Choctaw County.
To report a wildfire, call 911 or contact MFC’s Central Dispatch at 877-MFC-FIRE.
To learn more about wildfire prevention, visit mfc.ms.gov, or like and follow @MSForestryComm on Facebook and Twitter.
Fire Prevention Week: Red Cross Says Practice Escape Plans, Test Smoke Alarms
National Fire Prevention Week is October 6 to 12, and the American Red Cross Mississippi Region urges everyone to practice their home fire escape plan and test their smoke alarms.
“During Fire Prevention Week, prepare your family for home fires before the holidays and cold weather increase the risk of these crises,” said Cheryl Kocurek, regional preparedness manager for the American Red Cross. “Home fires are most often caused by cooking and heating equipment, and we want everyone to stay safe. Please install and test smoke alarms on every level of your home and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in two minutes or less.”
PRACTICE YOUR PLAN AND TEST YOUR ALARMS For free home fire safety resources, visit redcross.org/homefires or download the free Red Cross Emergency App (search “American Red Cross” in app stores).
• Include at least two ways to get out of each room in your home fire escape plan.
• Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.
• Practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in two minutes or less.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, placing them inside and outside bedrooms, and sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms monthly, and change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.
LIFESAVING HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN MARKS FIVE YEARS Home fires take seven lives each day in the U.S., most often in homes without working smoke alarms. That’s why the Red Cross is working with partners to install free smoke alarms in high-risk communities and help families create escape plans through its Home Fire Campaign — which has saved at least 638 lives across the country since launching in October 2014. Seven of those lives saved are from Mississippi.
Over the past five years the American Red Cross Mississippi Region and local partners have:
• Installed 26,000 free smoke alarms.
• Reached 5,400 children through youth preparedness programs.
• Made more than 10,000 households safer from the threat of home fires.
