On Thursday, June 23, 2022, all of Harrison County will be under a burn ban due to the extreme heat and dry conditions. Harrison County Judge Chad Sims confirmed the ban will be effective as soon as the paperwork is completed, likely around noon.
Marshall Fire Chief Reggie Cooper confirmed the City of Marshall would follow the county’s lead and implement a burn ban throughout the city.
“It’s simpler for the City and County both to have bans,” said Cooper.
More information regarding what activities are allowed and how to handle burning permits when the ban ends will be released later today.
Above-average temperatures and minimal rainfall is forecast for the third week in a row due to a period of high pressure that is impacting the state. Accelerated drying in vegetation, resulting from widespread triple-digit temperatures and dry air, begins Thursday and will continue through the weekend.
Elevated fire weather, including triple-digit temperatures, low relative humidity and wind speeds near 15 mph, will support an increased potential for significant wildfires that may directly impact communities where dry to critically dry vegetation is present.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, much of the state is experiencing drought. The drought, established in the fall and intensified through the spring, is now carrying over into the summer season.
“The dryness we are currently seeing across portions of the state is, generally, what we would be experiencing in mid to late July,” said Brad Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head. “The drought that has been carried over from the spring into the summer has initiated an early start to summer fire season. Early summer drying in June also introduces the possibility of experiencing a severe late summer fire season.”
Both Marion and Panola Counties implemented burn bans on Wednesday.
