By William Moore
Daily Journal
TUPELO – Since the region was placed under a burn ban, more than a dozen people have been cited for starting fires.
All 16 counties in the Daily Journal coverage area as well as the Natchez Trace Parkway issued burn bans either in late September or the first week of October. While all counties have given out verbal warnings, only Chickasaw, Clay, Lee, Pontotoc and Union counties have issued citations.
According to state law, violating a burn ban is a misdemeanor subject to a fine ranging from $100 to $500. The local sheriff’s department is responsible for enforcing.
“Since the burn ban went into effect Oct. 3, we have been to 10 calls concerning the burn ban and issued three post arrest release citations,” said Lee County Sheriff’s Office fire investigator Brian Kilgore. “It’s like a ticket. They have a court date and have to appear in justice court where the judge will hear testimony.”
Clay and Chickasaw counties have also issued three citations. Union County Sheriff Jimmy Edwards said his staff issued one.
“We had a problem at first with people who decided they were going to do it anyway,” said Chickasaw County fire coordinator Jonathan Blankenship. “Once we issued the citations, word of mouth spread and we haven’t had too many problems since.”
It took a little longer to spread the word in Pontotoc County. Fire Coordinator Adam Patton said they have issued seven citations since their ban started on Oct. 3.
The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning – including campfires, bonfires, fire rings, fire pits and burn barrels, as well as the burning of debris, leaves or fields. Home grills – gas and charcoal – are permitted.
According to state law, anyone who sets a fire is responsible not only for the fire but also for the smoke. If the fire spreads and damages the land or property of others, the person starting the fire is liable for any damages.
Most cities have separate ordinances banning open fires but chimeneas and fire pits are allowed during normal conditions.
Northeast Mississippi has not had any appreciable rain since August. According to Accuweather, the region has gotten no rain in October and had less than a half-inch of rain in September.
But a dry September and October is nothing new for northeast Mississippi. After no rain for seven weeks last year, Gov. Phil Bryant issued a state-wide burn ban on Oct. 20, 2015. Less than a week later, two days of frequent and widespread rain allowed the ban to be lifted.
william.moore@journalinc.com