BROOKHAVEN — Weather conditions have increased the fire danger going into the weekend. National Weather Service forecasts the fire threat will increase with dry hot weather. A fire is currently burning southeast of McComb according to the Fire Information for Resource Management System.

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. By November things might improve but we are forecast to remain under a drought. Crews from out of state have arrived to help fight wildfires.

National Weather Service in Jackson forecasts higher temperatures heading into the weekend. Heat combined with dry conditions and low afternoon humidity will make the risk of fire worse. The fall season and month of September have seen just 0.92 inches of rain in Jackson. It could make the top 10 driest falls according to NWS Jackson records.

The driest fall ever recorded in Jackson was in 1903 with 1.37 inches of rain for September, October and November.  To make the top 10, Jackson needs rainfall to stay below 4.12. By comparison, the wettest fall on record was 1906 when 22.31 inches of rain fell.

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.