Fire Prevention Week starts today, Sunday, Oct. 4, and it comes at a risky time for Tippah and Benton counties. Both counties are still under burn bans on the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s latest county map, and the National Weather Service in Memphis says very dry air arriving behind a cold front will keep fire danger elevated across north Mississippi through the work week.
Fire Prevention Week Arrives During a Dry Spell
The National Fire Protection Association’s 2026 Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 4-10. This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” It is the second straight year the campaign has focused on lithium-ion batteries, which power phones, laptops, e-bikes, scooters, power tools and many other household devices.
Outside, the concern is dry vegetation. In its Sunday morning forecast discussion, NWS Memphis said humidity could fall below 30 percent this week. Forecasters urged residents to “use caution when burning and heed any local burn bans.”
Tippah and Benton Burn Bans Still on the Map
The Forestry Commission’s county burn ban map, updated Oct. 3, still shows Tippah and Benton in red, along with neighboring Alcorn, Marshall and Tate and several other north Mississippi counties. The commission notes that every burn ban expires at midnight on its stated expiration date, and it lists exemptions on its website. Check mfc.ms.gov before burning anything outdoors.
The drought behind the bans has gotten worse. The U.S. Drought Monitor map released for Sept. 29 shows all of Tippah County in at least moderate drought (D1), with about 46 percent in severe drought (D2). In Benton County, severe drought now covers about 56 percent of the county, up from roughly 15 percent a week earlier.
What the Forecast Shows for Ripley
A few showers were possible early Sunday as the front moved through, but forecasters said they would add little rain. The NWS forecast for the Ripley area calls for:
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, high near 81, low around 59 tonight.
Monday: Sunny and breezy, high near 81, with north-northeast winds of 10 to 15 mph; low near 53.
Tuesday: Sunny, high near 84.
Wednesday: Sunny, high near 87, low near 55.
Forecasters said humidity is most likely to drop below 30 percent on Wednesday and Thursday. Highs could reach the upper 80s late in the week, and the next real chance of widespread rain may not come until late next weekend.
Fire Safety Tips for the Week
With a burn ban in place and Fire Prevention Week underway, a few simple steps can lower the risk at home and outdoors:
Do not burn leaves, brush or trash while the county burn ban is in effect.
Do not throw cigarettes from vehicles, and keep equipment that throws sparks away from dry grass.
Charge phones, e-bikes, scooters and tools with the cord and charger made for that device, and unplug them once they are full.
Stop using any battery that swells, gets unusually hot, smells strange or leaks, and recycle it properly. Do not put it in household trash.
Test smoke alarms and go over a home escape plan with your family.
Report any wildfire or out-of-control burn to 911 right away.
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
