The drought may not be over, but the burn ban ordered by Gov. Phil Bryant’s office may soon end, perhaps as early as today.
“We’ve already spoken with the governor’s office and have recommended the lifting of the ban,” Brighton Forester of the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) confirmed Thursday. “Our understanding is that the governor is out of the country and will return Friday. The request has been made, and we are awaiting the governor’s decision.”
Bryant has been in Israel this week on a trade mission.
The recommendation to lift the burn ban affects the 52 counties included in the governor’s proclamation in October. All three Golden Triangle counties, as well as Noxubee County, are on that list.
The MFC recommended a partial state-level burn ban for those 52 counties in October, and Bryant issued the proclamation putting the ban into effect on Oct. 20.
The recommendation does not affect those burn bans initiated independently by 26 other counties. As of this morning, 66 Mississippi counties are still under some type of burn ban.
Substantial rainfall early this week — in the 1- to 3-inch range in the Golden Triangle — with more rain in the forecast for the weekend and early next week has reduced the threat of wildfires.
Golden Triangle counties had instituted burn bans prior to the governor’s proclamation.
In Oktibbeha County’s case, the county ban, which was in effect for two-week periods, was lifted as soon as the governor’s proclamation went into effect.
Oktibbeha County Fire Services Coordinator Kirk Rosenhan said he believes lifting the burn ban is an appropriate measure.
“I’m ready for it,” Rosenhan said Thursday. “I’ve got everybody and their brother calling me about it. Of course, we’ll have to wait and see what the governor decides to do, but I support the Forestry Commission’s recommendation. One good rain isn’t going to solve all our problems, but I do believe the rain we had makes lifting the burn ban the right thing to do, based on what I’ve seen.”
Even when the ban is lifted, Rosenhan urged residents to be responsible.
“We want everyone to be circumspect in their burning — that means not burning when the winds are high or burning near buildings,” Rosenhan said. “Use some common sense.”
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for The Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
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