Burn bans issued across South Mississippi amid dry conditions

SOUTH MISS, (WXXV) – Several South Mississippi communities have issued burn bans as dry conditions continue to increase the risk of wildfires across the region.

Stone County Burn Ban Through Nov. 2

The Wiggins Fire Department is warning residents that Stone County is under a burn ban through Nov. 2 due to dangerous fire conditions.

Fire officials say dry weather has created a serious fire threat, and even a small fire could quickly spread out of control, endangering homes, property, lives and first responders.

During the burn ban, residents are prohibited from burning:

• Leaves
• Brush
• Trash
• Yard debris
• Bonfires
• Fire pits
• Any outdoor burning that produces embers

Officials say grills and gas heaters are still permitted but should be used safely and never left unattended.

Bay St. Louis Suspends Burn Permits

The Bay St. Louis Fire Department has also issued a burn ban effective immediately.

Officials have suspended all burn permit issuance until further notice and are asking residents to:

• Avoid outdoor burning
• Keep dry leaves, grass and other combustible materials away from ignition sources
• Properly dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials
• Report any signs of an uncontrolled fire to 911

Pass Christian Burn Ban in Effect

A burn ban remains in effect in Pass Christian from Oct. 23 through Oct. 26.

Residents are prohibited from burning:

• Leaves, pine straw and grass clippings
• Tree limbs and brush piles
• Yard debris and vegetation
• Firewood in outdoor fire pits
• Bonfires and recreational fires
• Household garbage and trash
• Cardboard and paper products
• Construction debris and scrap lumber

City officials emphasized that leaves, limbs, brush, yard debris, bonfires, fire pits and burn barrels are not allowed during the ban.

Burn ban in effect in Gulfport

Gulfport is now under a burn ban through November 9, 2026. All outdoor burning involving an open flame that produces embers is strictly prohibited.

Harrison County burn in effect 

A burn ban is in effect for Harrison County from Oct. 26 through Nov. 9, 2026, with no exemptions.

The ban prohibits outdoor burning including

• campfires
• bonfires
• fire pits
• fire rings
• burn barrels
• debris burning
• field burning
• Propane and gas grills

Propane and gas heaters charcoal grills are allowed but should be used safely away from combustible materials and never left unattended.