The Pearl River County Board of Supervisors convened on Tuesday to affirm the continued imposition of the current Burn Ban within the county, resolving to lift it only when the state’s burn ban restrictions are lifted.

The initial Burn Ban for Pearl River County was enforced on August 15 and remains in effect with no exceptions.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission defines a Burn Ban as a restriction on outdoor burning during drought or wildfire conditions. Typically, the County Board of Supervisors requests burn bans, and the Mississippi Forestry Commission grants approval for these requests. All burn bans automatically expire at midnight on the specified expiration date.

Under a burn ban, all forms of outdoor burning, without exception, are prohibited. Enforcement of burn bans falls under the purview of the local sheriff’s department. Those who knowingly and willfully violate a burning ban can be charged with a misdemeanor offense and may face a fine ranging from $100 to $500.

Burn bans may include exemptions, depending on the conditions and specific circumstances of each ban. The exemptions listed in a burn ban order are crucial for residents to understand which outdoor activities are permissible during the ban. Key exemptions recognized by the Mississippi Forestry Commission include:

Certified Burn Managers

County Fire Services

Commercial contractors with heavy construction equipment, provided that the burn adheres to Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) regulations. Interested parties can review MDEQ’s open burning regulations on their official website.

Agricultural field burns

Other exemptions as specified in the ban order

During a burn ban, the following activities are strictly prohibited:

Campfires

Bonfires

Fire pits

Fire rings

Burn barrels

Debris burning

Field burning

Conversely, certain activities are allowed even during a burn ban, provided they are used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, kept safely away from flammable materials, and never left unattended. After use, individuals must dispose of these items correctly. Notably, charcoal grill briquettes require particular care. Users should allow the coals to cool completely and douse them in water before disposing of them in a metal container. The residual ash must be cold to the touch before disposal.