Lafayette County officials have issued an immediate burn ban in response to ongoing drought conditions across north Mississippi.

The burn ban will last two weeks and end at midnight on Sept. 17. The county will reassess the situation based on updated weather conditions and forecasts then.

The Lafayette County Board of Supervisors approved the burn ban request from Fire Chief Wes Anderson at their regular meeting Tuesday evening.

With only two days of rain forecasted over the next 10 days, the county is taking proactive measures to prevent wildfires and ensure public safety.

The county has been experiencing significantly lower-than-average rainfall this season, leading to dry and brittle vegetation that can easily ignite. The National Weather Service has warned that the risk of wildfires is exceptionally high, particularly as temperatures remain elevated with minimal rainfall expected.

According to the NWS, there are just two days over the next two weeks with rain in the forecast. Even though the area received some rain recently, it wasn’t enough to raise the drought level. Lafayette County is listed as being in a “moderate drought.”

During the burn ban, all outdoor burning is strictly prohibited. This includes:

• Open flames: No bonfires, campfires, or fire pits are allowed.
• Yard debris burning: Burning leaves, branches, and other yard waste is prohibited.
• Agricultural burning: Farmers are prohibited from conducting any crop or field burning.
• Trash burning: Disposal of household trash by burning is not allowed.

The ban also extends to fireworks and any other activities that could potentially lead to an uncontrolled fire. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution even with permitted activities like grilling, ensuring that grills are kept away from dry grass and are fully extinguished after use.