There is no DeSoto County burn ban in effect as of Monday, Oct. 5, according to the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s official list. But two of DeSoto’s neighbors, Tate and Marshall counties, are under outdoor burning bans, and the National Weather Service in Memphis says very dry air will keep fire danger elevated across north Mississippi through the work week.
That means DeSoto County residents can legally burn yard debris for now, but forecasters and fire officials are urging extra caution with drought conditions worsening and humidity dropping sharply each afternoon.
Where the DeSoto County Burn Ban Status Stands
In Mississippi, a county’s Board of Supervisors normally requests a burn ban and the Forestry Commission approves it. DeSoto County does not appear on the commission’s current list. Seventeen counties do, including several in north Mississippi:
Tate County: Sept. 30 through Oct. 31
Marshall County: Sept. 7 through Oct. 7
Benton County: Sept. 8 through Oct. 8
Tippah County: Sept. 18 through Oct. 18
Alcorn County: Sept. 28 through Oct. 12
Lee County: Sept. 8 through Oct. 8
Bans expire at midnight on their end date unless a county asks for an extension. Residents who live near the Tate or Marshall county lines, or who own land in those counties, should keep in mind that the rules change once you cross the line.
Under a burn ban, the commission says anything with an open flame that produces an ember is off limits, including campfires, bonfires, fire pits, burn barrels, and debris or field burning. Propane and gas grills, gas heaters, and charcoal grills are still allowed. Violating a ban is a misdemeanor with a fine of $100 to $500, and the local sheriff’s department enforces it.
Dry Week Ahead Raises Fire Danger
In its Monday morning forecast discussion, NWS Memphis said low relative humidity will produce elevated fire danger through the work week and asked residents to “heed local burn bans.” Forecasters said afternoon humidity in parts of north Mississippi could fall below 25% or even 20%, which they called a critical threshold for fire weather.
The forecast for the Hernando area calls for sunshine every day through Friday:
Monday and Tuesday: Highs in the low to mid 80s, lows in the mid 50s
Wednesday: High near 85
Thursday and Friday: High near 87
Light winds should help limit how fast any fire spreads, forecasters said. The next chance of unsettled weather may not arrive until late next weekend, and forecast models still disagree on whether a tropical disturbance will bring rain to the Mid-South.
The dry stretch comes as drought keeps growing in DeSoto County. Last week’s U.S. Drought Monitor update put about 92.5% of the county in severe drought.
Safe Burning Tips for DeSoto County Residents
If you plan to burn while no DeSoto County burn ban is in place, fire officials generally recommend:
Check the Forestry Commission’s burn ban list first, since bans can be added at any time.
Keep piles small and well away from homes, sheds, fences, and trees.
Have a water hose, rake, or shovel close by, and never leave a fire unattended.
Avoid burning on breezy afternoons, when humidity is lowest.
Fully put out fires and douse the ashes before you walk away.
Let charcoal cool completely and soak it with water before putting it in a metal container.
This week is also National Fire Prevention Week, a reminder that most fires can be prevented with a few simple precautions. Residents should call 911 right away to report any fire that gets out of control.
