Residents in Mississippi are advised against setting outdoor fires to lower the risk of starting a wildfire as cold, windy weather makes its way across the state.
The warning was issued in relation to the low humidity and gusty conditions that rolled in this week as part of an arctic blast.
“We are urging all Mississippians to voluntarily stop all plans of outdoor burning on Monday due to conditions that are highly favorable for rapid wildfire spread,” the Mississippi Forestry Commission shared on it website.
Since the majority of wildfires (9 out of 10) are caused by people burning outside, the commission is asking Mississippians to avoid burning vegetative or other debris, and cancel any plans to light bonfires, campfires, burn barrels and fire pits.
The lower humidity levels combined with the windy conditions brought on by the arctic blast can allow any outside fire to spread quickly. As such, those factors were cited as major reasons leading the commission to issue the warning.
Mississippi’s Forestry Commission watches over about 20 million acres of forestry in the state and is responsible for fighting wildfires when they occur. In addition to posing a danger to homes and communities, wildfires pose risks to the wildlife that depend on forests.
“Wildfires also wreak havoc on our natural environment, harming plants and animals and their habitat,” the commission stated.
Those who are considering burning during this advisory are reminded they can be held financially responsible for a fire on their property that spreads to someone else's property, field or forest.
-- Article credit to Jeremy Pittari for the Magnolia Tribune.
