Keeping Your Home Fire Safe

Keeping Your Home Fire Safe (Added: October 07, 2010)

With our dry conditions, not following the statewide ban on any outdoor burning could be dangerous. (more)

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By: Heather Burke | WJTV
Published: October 08, 2010

With the dry conditions in Mississippi, it doesn't take much to fuel a fire.
"It will spread rapidly out of control with just a low wind speed," said Leslie Blackwell who works for the Mississippi Forestry Commission.
Blackwell has a booth at the state fair. He's talking to fair goers about fire safety, and the importance of the statewide ban on outdoor burning that's in effect.
"If you want to barbecue, wait until after the burn ban is over," said Blackwell. "If you'll reduce the fuel around your house, you'll reduce fire behavior."
That includes cutting your grass and sweeping branches off your roof. If you don't, it could be dangerous.
"Once that catches on fire it gets in your attic," said Blackwell.
Wildfires have been a big problem statewide. In Madison County alone, crews have battled about 60 blazes in the past two weeks. That's why Blackwell says everyone should take the burn ban seriously.
"Find out what to do and just go do it," said Blackwell. "You might just be saving your home cause it's that serious."
For a complete list of what you can do to keep your home fire safe, just go to the Mississippi Forestry Commission's website at www.mfc.ms.gov.