Despite rain, Franklin County burn ban remains intact

Franklin County Emergency Management-Homeland Security Director Mark Thornton reminds area residents a locally enacted burn ban will remain in place until at least Monday, April 4.

Thornton recommended the action that was approved by the Board of Supervisors on Monday, March 7 due to dry conditions that have resulted in numerous wildfires across the county and throughout Southwest Mississippi.

“While we got a substantial amount of rain on Monday night, the burn ban will remain in place because we’re expecting the conditions that brought it about in the first place — including low humidity levels and high winds — to return in the days ahead.

District 5 representative and Board President Jimmie “Bodi” Bass said the burn ban prohibits anything with an open flame that produces an ember during the duration of the order.

“These restrictions address outdoor burning with violators subject to misdemeanor charges and fines ranging from $100 to $500,” Bass said.

Thornton said any kind of debris and field burning is prohibited now through April 4 — with the exception of work by commercial contractors and the U.S. Forest Service.