The National Weather Service in Jackson issued an elevated fire danger for Saturday, saying much drier air combined with gusty winds will raise the risk of wildfires across Mississippi.
The NWS said lower humidity and stronger winds will create more favorable conditions for fires. The Mississippi Forestry Commission said soil moisture is low, making vegetation easier to ignite, and that debris from recent storms, including February winter storms, has increased available dry fuel. Officials warned that gusty winds can carry embers and start spot fires.
The Mississippi Forestry Commission said strictly enforced burn bans prohibit outdoor burning of any kind in Alcorn, Hinds, Benton, Rankin, Marshall and Tishomingo counties.
Officials urged residents to monitor forecasts from the National Weather Service in Jackson and to check the Mississippi Forestry Commission for the latest on burn bans and safety guidance (https://bit.ly/2MZLIC0).
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
