Yazoo County remains under a burn ban, and the penalties for violating the ban are either a $1,000 fine, a week in jail – or both.
Sheriff Jake Sheriff said the penalties will be strictly enforced because the current dry conditions have created a dangerous situation.
“A small fire can easily get out of control very quickly,” Sheriff said. “These burn bans are established for good reason.”
One Yazoo County resident was jailed this week after a fire got out of control on Fletcher’s Chapel Road.
Allen May was arrested after a fire that he is accused of starting got out of control and burned a couple of acres.
Deputy Simon Stubblefield said the burn ban will be strictly enforced.
“It’s very dangerous right now,” he said. “If you start a fire in Yazoo County before this burn ban is lifted, I will probably be coming to see you.”
Drought conditions are currently so bad that 76 of Mississippi’s 82 counties remain under burn bans.
In September and October, the Mississippi Forestry Commission responded to and suppressed 732 wildfires that burned 6,525 acres. During this time, 1,103 structures were threatened by wildfire activity and saved, while 38 structures were damaged or destroyed.
“Please, don’t do any outdoor burning if your county is under a burn ban," said Charlie Morgan, State Forester. "Wildfires can start with just a spark and spread quickly to endanger forestland, homes, and lives.”
