Four Mississippi counties began new burn bans this week as the state’s active restriction list continued to expand. Clay County’s order began Tuesday, Oct. 27, while Lowndes, Harrison and Kemper counties began restrictions Monday.
The Mississippi Forestry Commission burn-ban table says an open flame that produces an ember is prohibited during a ban unless the applicable county order lists an exemption. The table is the fastest statewide status check, but residents should still confirm local details before burning.
The newest Mississippi burn bans
| County | Start date | Listed end date | Exemptions shown by the state |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay | Oct. 27 | Nov. 27 | 1, 2 and 4 |
| Lowndes | Oct. 26 | Nov. 26 | 1, 2 and 4 |
| Harrison | Oct. 26 | Nov. 9 | None |
| Kemper | Oct. 26 | Nov. 16 | 1, 2 and 4 |
Harrison County is the strictest of the four entries because the state table lists no exemptions. The other three use the same exemption combination, but that does not make every outdoor fire permissible. Each activity still has to fit the exemption language and any county conditions.
Orders scheduled to end soon
Several older bans have end dates approaching before the four newest orders expire. Lamar County is listed through Oct. 31. Walthall and Neshoba counties are listed through Nov. 2, and Lafayette County is listed through Nov. 6.
An end date is not a promise that restrictions will disappear. Counties may extend, replace or lift orders as conditions change. Check the state table again on the planned burn date instead of relying on a saved screenshot.
The Daily Quill’s Science and Environment coverage tracks practical weather and land-use decisions. Readers outside Mississippi can also use the site’s consumer safety reporting for other time-sensitive restrictions and official notices.
What the exemption numbers mean
The Forestry Commission page defines four recurring exemptions. They cover certain agricultural and commercial burning, prescribed burns by qualified personnel, approved Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality burns, and burns by Mississippi Forestry Commission personnel. The exact numbering matters because counties can list different combinations.
A household cleanup fire does not become exempt merely because someone watches it or keeps water nearby. If the proposed activity does not clearly fit a listed exemption, contact county authorities or the Forestry Commission before lighting it.
Burn bans are enforced locally, and escaped fires can create consequences beyond the order itself. Conditions can also deteriorate before a formal table update. Wind, dry vegetation and nearby structures remain reasons to postpone even an otherwise permitted activity.
The next scheduled expiration on the current statewide list is Lamar County on Saturday, Oct. 31. Residents should check the live Forestry Commission table and their county’s notices immediately before any outdoor burning.
