Drought persists after recent rains from hurricane remnants

TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) – The remnants of Hurricane Isaias were not enough to end the fire threat.

Conditions in northeast Mississippi remain dry, with the fire danger potentially increasing.

The concern goes beyond dry lawns and struggling crops. Emergency management officials and local fire departments are monitoring the drought as dry vegetation leads to concerns about wildfires and brush fires.

Union County Emergency Management Agency Director Curt Clayton said the lack of rain has already created challenges for firefighters responding to outdoor fires.

“The drought on the emergency side has affected us with wildfires, brush fires, and people letting fires get out of control due to no moisture,” Clayton said.

Officials ask residents to use caution when burning outdoors and to follow any active burn bans.