Burn bans being expanded across Mississippi amid worsening drought

by

Michael McEwen

• Published on August 27, 2024 • Comments

A Mississippi Forestry Commission wildlands firefighter looks over a wildfire burning in Scott County, October 2023.
Photo courtesy of the Mississippi Forestry Commission.

According to the National Weather Service, more than 30% of Mississippi is currently under drought conditions that are only worsening. That number represents a rise of more than 115 percent since last week -- and with that, officials are warning the impacts to Mississippi forests will also worsen.

Michael McEwen

Mississippi Forestry Commission

But the increased concern of wildfires isn't just because of this year's conditions.

2023 marked an unprecedented year for both drought and wildfires in Mississippi -- more than 15,000 acres burned across the state, and the Forestry Commission was forced to request outside resources in order to effectively respond.

Combined with an estimated 12 million trees killed last year alone by drought and pests, Bozeman says the risk of wildfire this year is increased by the fuel from last year.

"The affects of last year's drought are certainly being noticed during this fire season. Just this week, we issued a dangerous fuels warning because of those dead trees. When you have large pine trees that are dead, they're now fuels."

The National Weather Service forecasts much of the state to move from Moderate into Severe drought by this weekend.