The Tippah County burn ban is back in effect. The Tippah County Board of Supervisors announced on Wednesday, Oct. 21, that after reviewing current conditions the county will again be under a countywide ban on outdoor burning, starting Oct. 21 and running 30 days, through Nov. 21.
The move comes just days after the previous ban lapsed. At the board’s regular meeting on Thursday, Oct. 15, supervisors chose to let the earlier countywide ban expire on Oct. 18 without an extension. With dry conditions continuing across north Mississippi, the board reversed course and put a new ban in place midweek.
Tippah County Burn Ban Now Shows on State Map
The Mississippi Forestry Commission’s county burn ban map, updated Oct. 21, again shows Tippah County shaded red, meaning a county-issued ban is in effect. Tippah had dropped off the state list after the earlier ban expired.
Neighboring counties on the Forestry Commission’s Oct. 21 map are split:
Under a burn ban: Tippah, Marshall, Tishomingo, Lafayette, Pontotoc and Lee, along with dozens of other counties across the state
Not shown under a ban: Benton, Union, Alcorn and Prentiss
Benton County residents should still use caution with any outdoor fire. County bans can be added or lifted at any time, and the Forestry Commission’s map is the quickest way to check current status.
What the Ban Means for Residents
A county burn ban prohibits outdoor burning such as burning brush piles, yard debris and field trash. The Forestry Commission notes that some activities are exempt and lists those exemptions on its website, mfc.ms.gov. Residents who are unsure whether something is allowed should check there or call the county before striking a match.
Practical steps during the ban:
Hold off on burning leaves, limbs and debris until the ban ends Nov. 21 or is lifted earlier by the board
Do not toss cigarettes from vehicles, and make sure equipment such as mowers and chains are not throwing sparks in dry grass
Keep vehicles off tall, dry grass, since hot exhaust parts can ignite it
Report any wildfire or uncontrolled fire by calling 911 right away
A Busy Fall for Local Fire Crews
Tippah County has gone back and forth on burning restrictions this fall as weather swung from heat and dry wind to brief rounds of rain. Volunteer fire departments across the county respond to grass and woods fires, and a burn ban is one of the main tools officials have to reduce those calls while vegetation stays dry.
The ban is set to last until Nov. 21. Supervisors can end it sooner if conditions improve with significant rainfall. Tippah News will update readers if the board changes the order.
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
