FREE CONTENT — County placed under burn ban

The Wayne County Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted to enact a county-wide burn ban – in conjunction with the Mississippi Forestry Commission -- effective Friday, October 16, 2026.

Supervisors voted by a 5-0 margin to place the county under the ban upon the recommendation of Volunteer Fire Department Coordinator Al Harrison. As it stands right now, the ban will be until Oct. 22, when supervisors will review the measure and possibly extend it during its regularly scheduled meeting.

The ban seeks to curtail outdoor burning during drought and high-wind conditions that are expected by this weekend.

Anything with an open flame that produces an ember is not allowed during a burn ban. The wind can carry floating embers away from the original fire and start a spot fire up to one-half mile away from the burning area.

Anyone who knowingly and willfully violates a burn ban can be charged with a misdemeanor offense and could face between $100 and $500 in punitive fines. 

Agencies exempt from the local ban include the Mississippi Forestry Commission and certified burn managers.

The burn ban is in effect until at least Oct. 22, when it will be reviewed and possibly extended. based on weather conditions over the next month as much of the Southeast remains in very dry conditions.