MEADVILLE — Franklin County residents should not be alarmed by smoke in the county Wednesday. The United States Forest Service announced it would conduct a prescribed burn in Franklin County starting after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Fire is a tool used by the foresters and wildlife managers to reduce fuel load, maintain early successional habitat and promote a diverse understory. According to the Homochitto National Forest Ranger District, 706 acres are in the burn plan just southwest of Meadville.

“Air quality and visibility may be impacted by smoke in this area,” USFS Mississippi stated in an announcement. “Crews will be working in the area to monitor and contain the burn. Please use caution when traveling through this area.”

According to the USFS,  600 acres were set to be burned on January 21, 2024 to the east of today’s burn block. The controlled burn on January 21 was partially completed.

There are currently two burn blocks on the Homochitto National Forest planned for Lincoln County but no date is listed for when the burn will take place.

Read more about the Homochitto National Forest work towards a longleaf vision.