March is wildfire prevention month, and again area firefighters are finding the spring one of their busiest times.
With spring breezes and relatively low humidity, all it takes is one spark to cause a wildfires.
In recent weeks, Ruth, East Lincoln, Bogue Chitto, Zetus, Hog Chain, Loyd Star, Heucks Retreat and New Sight Volunteer Fire Departments in Lincoln County worked together to keep 21 fires contained and protect homes and property.
Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) reports fighting 239 fires over a total of 10,000 acres. The acreage includes active and completely contained or extinguished fires. MFC Outreach Officer Kevin Craft reported a stubborn Jefferson Davis County fire on
1,360 acres. Craft serves Region 4 which includes Lincoln, Franklin, Lawrence, Pike, Amite, Wilkinson, Adams, Walthall, Jefferson Davis and Marion Counties in Southwest Mississippi.
Craft says it doesn’t take long for south Mississippi to dry out and low humidity and winds have made conditions favorable for wildfires in spite rains that ended the summer drought.
MFC reminds locals that 90 percent of wildfires are caused by human error and thus preventable. One way to prevent fires is to use fire break or container when burning trash, and not to burn on windy days. Once fire hits pine straw or dry grass it can get out of hand quickly. If you do decide to burn a brush pile or a pile of leaves, make sure you check the wind forecast before you burn.
Smokey Bear always says: “Only you can prevent wildfires.”
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