Written by: Kevin Owens
Edits by: Pierce Young
Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools for improving wildlife habitat, reducing fuel loads, and restoring healthy plant communities. But to burn safely and legally in Mississippi, landowners must follow a few essential steps.
1. Get Proper Training
Take a Prescribed Burn Manager Course through the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) or the MSU Extension Service.
Certification provides:
- Better understanding of fire behavior and safety
- Compliance with Mississippi’s Prescribed Burning Act
- Improved eligibility for insurance, cost-share, and technical assistance
2. Write a Burn Plan
A written burn plan guides operations, protects you legally, and ensures everyone knows their role.
A basic burn plan should include:
- Objectives
- Map & burn unit location
- Weather prescription (wind, humidity, dispersion, etc.)
- Ignition and holding strategies
- Crew and equipment list
- Communication plan
- Smoke management plan
- Contingency actions
- Mop-up procedures
- Signatures and date (notarized recommended)
Keep a copy with you on the day of the burn.
3. Obtain a Burn Permit
Before lighting any forestry or agricultural fire, contact the Mississippi Forestry Commission for a burn permit.
Permits are issued based on daily fire-weather conditions.
What You’ll Need to Obtain a Permit
- County & burn type (day/night)
- Responsible party info (name, contact, and certified burn manager status)
- Forestry or agricultural purposes
- Landowner name, e-mail & address
- Acreage
Permit times are based on sunrise/sunset and weather conditions.
To obtain a permit online visit: https://www.mfc.ms.gov/burning-info/permit/
To obtain a permit over the phone call: 1-833-MFC-FIRE (1-833-632-3473)
4. Notify Before You Burn
Advance notification improves safety and prevents unnecessary emergency response.
Notify:
- Local fire department
- Sheriff’s office
- Nearby landowners or tenants
Follow smoke-management guidelines to avoid impacting homes, roads, and sensitive areas.
Minimum Crew & Equipment
Personnel
- Certified burn boss
- 2–4 trained assistants
Tools & Equipment
- Drip torches
- Fire rakes, flappers, leaf blowers
- Chainsaw
- ATV/UTV with water tank, pump, or sprayer
- Radios or cell phones
- Fire extinguisher
- First-aid kit
PPE
- Leather boots
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Long pants
- Fire-resistant shirt (Nomex preferred)
Weather & Smoke Considerations
- Burn only under safe, stable weather conditions.
- Check the MFC’s daily fire-weather forecast (https://www.mfc.ms.gov/burning-info/fire-weather/)
- Avoid burning during:
- High winds (Surface Winds >12-15 mph)
- Low humidity (<25-30%)
- Temperature inversions that trap smoke (Stable Atmosphere - flat smooth low clouds; Low mixing height <1500 ft)
- Poor dispersion (Dispersion Index <20) or poor transport winds (Transport Winds <9 mph)
Safety & Legal Tips
- Hold a valid MFC burn permit.
- Keep your written, signed, and dated burn plan on site.
- Notify neighbors and first responders.
- If you lack experience, join a cooperative burn or hire a certified burn manager.
For more information about wildlife management visit