These MS counties are under burn bans. Here's how long and what you can and can't do

Brian Broom, Mississippi Clarion-Ledger
Updated ·3 min read

This article will be updated as counties under burn bans are added or removed.

Many Mississippi counties have been placed under burn bans following thousands of acres of wildfires including one that shut down I-10 in Hancock County last week.

The burn bans were issued due to increased wildfire activity, elevated drought conditions, dry vegetation, and forecasted weather patterns. According to the Mississippi Forestry Commission, the current 7-day forecast does not include enough rainfall to pull the state out of a drought.

“Typically, wildfires pick up in Mississippi in September and October, but we are seeing earlier activity due to very dry, hot, and windy weather conditions,” said MFC state forester Russell Bozeman. “Since August 1st, MFC wildland firefighters have responded to more than 150 wildfire calls across the state that have burned nearly 3,500 acres. Because of the lack of rainfall the state has seen over the past month and the current forecast, the threat of wildfire is elevated across the state.”

According to MFC, burn bans mean no outdoor burning of any kind. Under state law, violators may be fined up to $500 and are responsible for any damage caused. The commission is also asking people to refrain from outdoor burning until conditions improve even if they are not under a burn ban.

Burn ban in effect for state parks and lakes

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has issued a burn ban at all state parks and lakes.

The ban prohibits the use of all open fires such as campfires, bonfires, fire pits, fire rings, burn barrels, debris burning, and field burning. The objective is to decrease the risk of floating embers that can start fires, endangering both park premises and surrounding areas.

However, to continue enjoying the outdoor experience responsibly, visitors are allowed to use propane or gas grills, propane or gas heaters, and charcoal grills. Charcoal briquettes must be cooled and doused in water before disposal.

What is not allowed under a burn ban

  • Campfires

  • Bonfires

  • Fire pits

  • Fire rings

  • Burn barrels

  • Debris burning

  • Field burning

What is allowed under a burn ban

  • Propane / Gas grills

  • Propane / Gas heaters

  • Charcoal grills

The commission urges caution when using charcoal grills.

More: Exploding propane bottles scatter across Mississippi highway in fiery crash

Mississippi Counties under burn bans as of Aug. 18, 2023

  • Adams: Expires Aug. 31, 2023

  • Amite: Expires Sept. 4, 2023

  • Copiah: Expires Sept. 16, 2023

  • Covington: Expires Sept. 8, 2023

  • Franklin: Expires Sept. 14, 2023

  • Hancock: Expires Aug. 31, 2023

  • Jasper: Expires Sept. 14, 2023

  • Jefferson Davis: Expires Sept. 5, 2023

  • Jones: Expires Aug. 31, 2023

  • Lawrence: Expires Aug. 21, 2023

  • Lincoln: Expires Sept. 4, 2023

  • Marion: Expires Sept. 10, 2023

  • Newton: Expires Sept. 30, 2023

  • Pearl River: Expires Aug. 30, 2023

  • Perry: Expires Aug. 31, 2023

  • Pike: Expires Aug. 31, 2023

  • Rankin: Expires Sept. 15, 2023

  • Simpson: Expires Sept. 11, 2023

  • Smith: Expires Sept. 9, 2023

  • Stone: Expires Aug. 31, 2023

  • Walthall: Expires Aug. 30, 2023

  • Wayne: Expires Oct. 14, 2023

Mississippi burn ban updates can be found at www.mfc.ms.gov.

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: What to know about MS burn bans. What counties are under burn bans