RUTH — What’s said to be the biggest of many wildfires to have burned land in Southwest Mississippi appeared to have been reduced to smoldering embers Tuesday evening.
Thick smoke enshrouded pastureland and the yards of a dozen or so residences along Sauls Road and Bronze Drive Southeast in eastern Lincoln County. The 400-plus-acre fire started on nearby Garnet Road after sparks from a lawnmower ignited dry brush on Saturday. Forestry officials had the fire contained on Sunday, but it flared back up Monday and smoldered Tuesday evening after crossing Sauls Road to the east.
Also Tuesday, officials with the Mississippi Forestry Commission were battling a wildfire near Liberty that was estimated to have consumed 100 acres.
All of the southern half of the state remains under a burn ban until further notice, according to the Forestry Commission.
Forestry officials recommend the following tips to reduce fire risks around properties:
• Remove leaves, pine needles, and other flammable material from the roof, gutters, and on and under a deck to help prevent embers from igniting your home.
• Remove dead vegetation and other flammable materials, especially within 5 feet of the home.
• Keep lawns hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to help reduce fire intensity.
• Prune tree limbs so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet above the ground to help reduce the chance of fire getting into the crowns of the trees.
• Move construction materials, trash and woodpiles at least 30 feet away from the home and other outbuildings.
• Dispose of branches, weeds, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings that you have cut to reduce fuel for fire.
