Who can declare a wildfire burn ban in Mississippi?

The State Forester at the Mississippi Forestry Commission can declare burn bans by county or statewide when conditions create elevated wildfire risk, and bans carry the force of law.

Am I liable if a fire escapes from my property?

Yes. Mississippi law allows recovery of fire suppression costs and damages from any person whose negligent burning causes a wildfire to spread onto another's land or forest.

Is intentionally burning woodlands a crime?

Yes. Willfully setting fire to woods, marshes, or grasslands without legal right is a felony in Mississippi under Section 97-17-13, punishable by prison time.

Mississippi Wildfire Zones (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Miss. Code 49-19-301 et seq.
Felony arson: Miss. Code 97-17-13
Authority: State Forester
Burn ban scope: County or statewide
Liability: Suppression costs recoverable

Source: Justia Law

Full Breakdown

Under Miss. Code Ann. Sections 49-19-301 through 49-19-315, the State Forester may issue burn bans or restrict outdoor burning in any county or statewide when wildfire danger is high. Anyone responsible for a fire that escapes onto another's land may be liable for actual damages and fire suppression costs. Setting fire to woodlands without legal right is a felony under Section 97-17-13. The Commission also operates fire towers, dispatches firefighting units, and works with rural fire departments. Property owners in fire-prone rural areas should follow defensible space best practices, though Mississippi does not impose mandatory defensible space zones like western states.

Violations & Penalties

Burning during a state burn ban, negligently allowing a fire to escape, or willfully setting woods afire may result in misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, restitution, and prison time.

Mississippi Wildfire Burn Bans and Forestry Authority

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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