Lafayette County, Oxford enforce 30-day burn ban amid drought conditions

Lafayette County and the city of Oxford have enacted a 30-day burn ban effective immediately, following approval by the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors and the Mississippi Forestry Commission. The measure was requested by Lafayette County Fire Department Chief Wes Anderson.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission’s approval grants the ban legal authority and enforcement under state law. Anderson cited persistent drought conditions and dry vegetation as reasons for the restriction. “While we’ve seen some recent rainfall, Lafayette County remains in moderate to severe drought. With no meaningful precipitation forecast, vegetation is critically dry and fire risk is high,” he said.

The ban prohibits open burning of debris, brush, leaves, yard waste, and other vegetation, as well as agricultural, land-clearing, and timber burns. Recreational campfires, bonfires, outdoor burning of trash, and household waste are also banned.

Exceptions include cooking on charcoal, propane, or natural gas grills, contained propane or natural gas fire pits (without wood burning), welding, and cutting operations with proper safety precautions. Prescribed burns authorized in writing by the Mississippi Forestry Commission prior to the ban are permitted.

Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties under Mississippi law. Residents are encouraged to report illegal burning to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office or the Lafayette County Fire Department.

Source: Original Article