At the request of the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors, the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) approved a county-wide burn ban, effective immediately.

The MFC approved the Lincoln County burn ban due to the increase in wildfire activity, elevated drought conditions, dry vegetation and forecasted weather patterns. The current seven-day forecast does not predict significant rainfall large enough to pull the state out of the current drought.

“Since September 9, MFC wildland firefighters have responded to 120 wildfires across the state that have burned approximately 2,100 acres,” MFC said. said. “Current weather conditions are optimal for wildfires. We are asking Mississippians to use extreme caution when starting an outdoor fire.”

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A burn ban means no outdoor burning of any kind. Under state law, anyone caught burning during a burn ban may be fined up to $500. Individuals are also responsible for any damage caused by the flame or smoke from a fire they set.

For more information about active burn bans, visit www.mfc.ms.gov/burn-bans, or like and follow @MSForestryComm on Facebook and Twitter.