Lafayette County, City of Oxford under 30-day burn ban effective immediately.
Lafayette County and the City of Oxford are under a 30-day burn ban, effective immediately, following approval by the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors and the Mississippi Forestry Commission.
The Board of Supervisors enacted the restriction Monday at the request of Lafayette County Fire Department Chief Wes Anderson. The Mississippi Forestry Commission’s approval grants the ban legal authority and enforcement status under state law.
“While we’ve seen some recent rainfall, Lafayette County remains in moderate to severe drought conditions,” said Chief Wes Anderson. “With no meaningful precipitation in the forecast, vegetation is critically dry and fire risk is elevated across the county.”
“This burn ban is necessary to protect lives and property.”
PROHIBITED
- Open burning of debris, brush, leaves, yard waste, and vegetation.
- Agricultural, land-clearing, and timber burns.
- Recreational campfires and bonfires.
- Outdoor burning of trash or household waste.
PERMITTED
- Cooking on charcoal, propane, or natural gas grills
- Contained propane or natural gas fire pits (no wood burning).
- Welding and cutting operations with proper safety precautions.
- Prescribed burns authorized in writing by the Mississippi Forestry Commission prior to the ban.
Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties under Mississippi law. Residents who observe illegal burning are encouraged to contact the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office or the Lafayette County Fire Department.
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