Dry conditions prompt new burn bans in Lowndes, Noxubee	
	
					
					

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			A burn ban is in effect for Lowndes and Noxubee counties through late October.
Jim Robbins, who serves as fire services coordinator for both counties, told The Dispatch the “precautionary measure” was warranted by ongoing dry conditions with little to no rain to help ease the risk.
“What little bit of rain we’ve had is pretty well soaked up, and we don’t have any substantial rain in the near future enough to remedy these dry conditions,” Robbins said. “So we felt the need … to request the burn ban from the state, and they approved our request.”
The Lowndes County burn ban went into effect this morning and will continue through Oct. 25. The ban in Noxubee County went into effect Wednesday and is set to last until Oct. 31. No burn bans are in effect for Oktibbeha or Clay counties, according to the Mississippi Forestry Commission.
Burn bans restrict any outdoor burning that involves an open flame and produces an ember. Things like campfires, bonfires and fire pits that produce sparks are not allowed under MFC bans, while gas grills or charcoal grills are allowed.
Local sheriff’s offices are responsible for enforcing bans. State law allows fines ranging from $100 to $500 for violations. The only exemptions to the burn bans are activities by MFC, certified burn managers or commercial contractors with heavy construction equipment, granted the burn meets Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality regulations.
This is the second set of bans issued in the two counties this year after a spring dry spell prompted Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha and Clay counties to implement a ban in May.
“That is a little odd,” Robbins said. “I don’t recall having to put (a burn ban request) in that recently, back to back like this.”
			
						
						
			
      
      
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