Attala County officials are issuing a stern warning to residents as dangerously dry conditions continue and fire calls increase across the county.
Sheriff Curtis Pope says the Attala County Sheriff’s Office does not want to issue fines, but citations will soon be issued to those violating the burn ban in an effort to protect lives and property.
Attala County Fire Chief Tim Cox says conditions are dire, with no relief in sight. Since the burn ban was implemented, the department has responded to 37 calls, and around 30 of those were fire-related.
Some fires were caused by downed power lines, but many resulted from people burning brush or trash. Chief Cox warns that even fires believed to be extinguished have rekindled and spread days later.
Officials stress that the burn ban is NOT a suggestion. Do not burn brush, trash, leaves, or debris. A single fire can spread quickly, destroying property and putting lives at risk.
Suppression charges have already been issued for some fires in the county. Those fines are $350 per hour for the resources used to extinguish and contain fires caused by those burning during the ban.
The message is simple: DO NOT BURN. No pile of brush or trash is worth someone’s home or life.
