County Imposes Burn Ban

A burn ban has been imposed in Yalobusha County, joining approximately 60 counties across Mississippi where prolonged dry weather and worsening drought conditions have raised concerns about wildfires.

The National Weather Service reported earlier this month that portions of northwest Mississippi were experiencing extreme to exceptional drought conditions  contributing to hundreds of wildfires across the state. The Mississippi Forestry Commission reported 467 wildfires that burned nearly 5,000 acres statewide between Oct. 1 and Oct. 21.

Yalobusha County Emergency Management Agency Director Stewart Spence estimated that the county has experienced a dozen or so grass fires this month, although most have been relatively small compared to larger wildfires that have plagued other parts of Mississippi.

Spence said rain is possible Sunday and Monday, but even if the forecast holds, the rainfall would be nowhere near enough to relieve the drought conditions.

The county burn ban took effect Oct. 22 and will remain in place through Nov. 30. The ban prohibits outdoor burning, including brush piles, leaves, campfires and fire pits. The Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department is responsible for enforcement. Anyone who knowingly and willfully violates the ban faces a misdemeanor charge and fines ranging from $100 to $500.