In Pearl, Mississippi, the Mississippi Forestry Commission has implemented burn bans in seven counties out of a total of 82 in the state. The bans are in effect in Adams and Franklin counties in the southwest, as well as Carroll, Clay, Montgomery, Noxubee, and Winston counties in the north-central region.
State Forester Russell Bozeman emphasized that the burn bans are necessary due to the potential for unpredictable wildfire conditions that could pose risks to public safety. The commission relies on a specific formula to assess the amount of precipitation required to restore the soil to its standard moisture level. According to their findings, most parts of Mississippi need between 6 to 7 inches (15.2 to 17.8 centimeters) of rainfall to reach normal moisture levels.
To initiate a burn ban, county boards of supervisors are tasked with submitting requests to the forestry commission. The commission then assesses these requests and grants approvals accordingly.
