BROOKHAVEN — It was a hazy midnight and morning in Lincoln County Saturday. Wildfires in neighboring counties such as Franklin County seem to be the culprit according to the Brookhaven Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency.

Brookhaven-Lincoln County EMA said they spoke with the Mississippi Forestry Commission about the smoke and the MFC believes the smoke is from fires which burned Friday afternoon. One of those fires was near Bude along US84 if you are headed towards Meadville.

EMA personnel are out checking for any fires right now. Lincoln County and 42 other counties in Mississippi have burn bans right now. The rain yesterday in Lincoln County brought a 24 day dry streak to an end but will not be enough to lift the burn ban. It would likely take several days of sustained rains to lift the ban.

Conditions remain dry enough for fire to be a danger and gusty winds do not help. National Weather Service in Jackson issued a red flag warning for the area as the danger for fire is significant in the area. Open burning is discouraged and wildfires could spread rapidly.

Heat will remain another risk today with the high hitting 103 degrees and the heat index at 110 likely drying out the rain we did receive. There is a 20 percent chance of showers this evening.

Remember to heed the local burn bans. Only you can prevent wildfires.