BROOKHAVEN — It is a good thing out-of-state help has arrived in Brookhaven to fight wildfires. National Weather Service forecasts the fire threat will increase going into this weekend hitting near critical levels.

Mississippi Forestry Commission and the Lincoln County Volunteer Fire Departments have had their hands full fighting fires since August 1st. It could get worse as the National Weather Service forecasts the drought conditions to persist over the next month.

National Weather Service in Jackson forecasts higher temperatures heading into the weekend. Friday for example will hit a high of 93 degrees. Heat combined with dry conditions and low afternoon humidity will make the risk of fire worse.

Saturday is forecast to hit a high of 94 degrees and Sunday is forecast to hit 93 degrees. There is no chance of rain in the seven day forecast. Winds Sunday and Monday could hit gusts of 20 mph which could cause a fire to spread quickly.

Open burning of any kind is discouraged and people are reminded to heed all local burn bans.

Do no let trailer chains drag on the ground as any sparks from friction could cause a fire to break out. Cigarettes need to be disposed of properly and not on the ground. Please do not burn trash either. A wildfire in Loyd Star last week was started by someone burning trash. Citations will be issued for any violations of the burn ban.