BROOKHAVEN — After a slow week, firefighters with the Lincoln County Volunteer Fire Departments responded to multiple grass fires this weekend. One of those fires grew out of control for a moment. 

Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Reid said a fire on China Grove Drive burned five acres before becoming contained Sunday afternoon. Drought conditions have not improved and wildfires are still a threat to the area. 

The Mississippi Forestry Commission received much needed help last week from out-of-state wildfire crews. Equipment and personnel are stationed in Brookhaven and Wiggins to dispatch quickly to any wildfires in the area. Lincoln County Volunteer Fire Departments need help from the county. 

How to help

People can volunteer their time with the fire department. While some are needed to actively fight fires there are plenty of roles available for people to serve their local fire department. Interested citizens can call their local volunteer fire department or call the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Office. Donations of water and snacks are also welcomed, just contact your local fire department to learn more about how you can help. 

Another way to help volunteer firefighters is to abstain from burning. People who violate the burn ban in Lincoln County will receive a citation. The National Weather Service reminds people that open burning is discouraged, cigarettes should be disposed of properly and trailer chains should be put up. The friction from a chain dragging on the roadway could be enough to spark and cause grass fires on roadways.

Lincoln County encourages residents to hold off on cutting the grass or brush hogging as one spark is enough to set the county on fire. One fire in September started from a brush hog, another started from grass heating up on a lawn mower muffler and another was due to a person burning trash in the Loyd Star community. It is not safe to burn with dry conditions, windy days and low humidity. 

Drought conditions are unlikely to improve any time soon. A NWS Jackson forecast shows the best chance of rain this week is Friday at 20 percent. It may not rain again until next week.