By Floyd Ingram
Chickasaw Journal
HOUSTON – You can rake those leaves into as high a pile as you want, but don’t put a match to them!
Mississippi is still under a state-wide burn ban and that means anyone caught burning anything outside can be cited and fined up to $500. Despite recent rains the state has extended its burn ban that was initially imposed by Gov. Phil Bryant on Oct. 20.
“It’s been July since we have had any significant moisture on the ground,” said Houston Fire Department Captain Jonathan Blankenship. “Chickasaw County Supervisors issued a burn ban at thair meeting Tuesday morning and the Governor backed it up with a statewide ban later in the day. People need to realize it is dangerously dry out there.”
A state-wide burn ban was issued in 2010. The Mississippi Forestry Commission estimates it has responded to more than 430 wildfires since Oct. 1. Those fires have consumed more than 7,000 acres and threatened hundreds of homes and buildings, destroying 23.
All local fire departments and law enforcement agencies are reminding residents it is illegal to burn anything outside during a burn ban.
“Call us before you burn to find out if the burn ban has been lifted,” said Blankenship. “If you light a fire and we are called, we have to show up, put it out and are required to issue a citation.”
Blankenship said the decision to extend the burn ban has been made at the state level and county and city officials must obey that ruling.
Chickasaw County’s imposed burn ban is effective until at least Nov. 2. The statewide burn ban will be monitored by the Forestry Commission and adjusted on a daily basis.
While there is a 20 percent chance of rain this weekend, it would take a substantial, soaking rain for the
In Chickasaw County the current average Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is over 600, with some areas of the state over 700. The maximum drought index number is 800, and the current levels indicate the county is experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions. In addition, the current and forecast fire danger ranges from high to very high.
KBDI is a soil/duff drought index that ranges from 0 to 800 and is based on the soil capacity in 8 inches of water. The depth of soil required to hold 8 inches of moisture varies. A prolonged drought – high KBDI – influences fire intensity largely because fuels have a lower moisture content.
Blankenship said area fire departments will respond to call of people burning leaves and citations will be issued.
“You just don’t need to be burning leaves right now,” said Blankenship. “Yes, you may be able to contain your fire, but the embers can drift a long way in the wind and start a fire.”
And fire officials remind the public that ignorance is no excuse for burning or being responsible for a wildfire.
“I want to remind everyone they are always liable for any damage caused by any fire under their control,” he added. “It takes seconds – literally seconds – for a fire to get out of control and then it is too late. We’re begging people to please not burn anything outside until the burn ban is lifted.”
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