Prescribed fire scheduled for Wednesday on Deer Island south of Biloxi

BILOXI, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources will intentionally set a fire on part of an undeveloped barrier island south of Biloxi.

The prescribed burn is scheduled for Wednesday on the central part of Deer Island.

The department is encouraging people to stay off that part of the island for at least a week because dead trees will continue to fall.

The fire will help thin an overpopulation of dense trees and promote a healthy space for wildlife habitat. It also will aid in removing debris from Hurricane Zeta.