BROOKHAVEN  — A chance of rain is finally in the forecast all be it very small. Thursday night and Friday could have rain for a portion of the county according to the National Weather Service in Jackson.

The small chance of rain Thursday night is technically Friday morning after 1 a.m. 20 percent of the county could get rainfall. Similarly, Friday has a 30 percent chance of rain mostly after 1 p.m. and there is a 3o percent chance of rain after 1 a.m. Saturday.

Cool rain and clouds will usher in chilly lows this weekend. Saturday and Sunday’s low temperatures are forecast to hit 48 degrees. Despite the cool temperatures it is best to avoid open burning of any kind.

Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency director Chris Reid said there are no fires currently burning in Lincoln County. Conditions are ideal for fire to quickly get out of hand. People are responsible for any damage they cause if they choose to burn during a burn ban.

NWS Jackson warns the risk for wildfires to spread with low humidity, dry conditions and wind is elevated this week. Lincoln County is also under a burn ban so no burning of any kind is allowed. Anyone who violates the burn ban will get a citation from the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office.

One Loyd Star resident found out the hard way after they violated the burn ban by burning trash and sparked a wildfire. Citations were issued.

A spark is all it takes to start a fire with these conditions. It is best to wait to conduct management practices such as brush hogging or mowing until conditions improve. Two fires have started from a lawn mower catching fire and a brush hog sparking a fire.

Please exercise caution in these conditions. Lincoln County is in an extreme drought and conditions are forecast to not improve this month. A seasonal outlook from the NWS shows the drought would persist but improve by the end of November.

Volunteer Fire Departments need help during this busy time. Donations of water and snacks can be dropped off at the VFD stations. Able bodied residents of Lincoln County can volunteer for their fire department by calling the station or the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency office. People can help by following the burn ban and reminding others to be responsible.