In response to dry conditions, lack of rain and citizen concerns, Oktibbeha County has enacted a burn ban.
Oktibbeha County joins the 35 Mississippi counties with burn bans in effect due to dry conditions. The ban will last until Oct. 21 and prohibits all outside burning, except for Mississippi Forestry Commission burns.
Orlando Trainer, president of the Oktibbeha Board of Supervisors, said numerous complaints and statements of concern contributed to the decision to instate the ban.
“At this time, we’re just trying to give people guidance so people won’t just haphazardly do something to put anybody in jeopardy,” Trainer said.
He said complaints submitted to the board mainly addressed a general uneasiness that a ban had not been issued.
Knowingly and willfully violating the ban is a misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $500.
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