Cooler temperatures along with lower humidity makes fall feel much better especially with football season in full swing and the major hunting seasons right around the corner.
But the low pressure systems, and the blustery winds normally associated with them, also brings with them the threat of outdoor woods and brush fires.
Lauderdale County, along with many other counties in the state, are still very, very dry due to low rainfall. State forestry commission officials feel the threat is becoming so real they foresee numerous burn bans upcoming from local county leaders if conditions don’t change soon.
“Fall traditionally means people want to get out in their yards, rake up the leaves and pick up limbs so they can burn them,” said Ed Brown of the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s South Central District in Bay Springs. “We may not have a burn ban in place now but we want to caution people against burning right now. Let’s wait until we get some rain before we resort to burning.”
According to the Mississippi Forestry Commission Web site only two counties in the state are under burn bans. They are, Chickasaw County until Nov. 1, and Lee County, which will expire its burn ban on Oct. 31.
“In the fiscal year that began in July, we’ve had statewide 495 fires that have burned more than 5,300 acres,” said Brown. “The conditions are such right now that even on our site preparation burns we conduct, we have to be extra careful.”
In Mississippi this weekend there were 18 fires reported that scorched about 250 acres of land. Eight of those fires were reported in Lauderdale County. Tippah County has suffered the worst in recent days with more than 100 acres of woodland burned.
October is Fire Prevention Month. Brown said this prevention goes beyond the home and business and includes outside burning as well. He advises all residents to adhere to common sense when attempting to burn outside.
“First and foremost I would ask residents not to do it but if you have to burn, be very careful,” Brown said. “Don’t burn on windy days and have a water supply close at hand.”
The South Central District consists of Clarke, Covington, Jasper, Jones, Kemper, Lauderdale, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Scott, Smith, Wayne counties.
Local News
Outdoor fire threat continues to grow
- Local News
-
-
Morning update for Wednesday, May 30, 2012
-
In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
-
Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
- Marriages & Divorces: Sunday, May 27, 2012
-
Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
If local advertising agency Leading Edges has its way, pretty soon you will be using your iPhone or iPad to bring its clients' ads to life.
-
Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
- Partnership in place for safety blitz
- More Local News Headlines
-
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
