By Sarah Cook

NATCHEZ — Adams County Emergency Management Director Robert Bradford said he sought and received an emergency burn ban, which took effect on Sunday, from the Adams County Board of Supervisors.

The burn ban follows a series of recent grass fires in the rural areas of Kingston, Cranfield and Foster Mound Road.

Combined, Bradford said the fires damaged an estimated 475 acres.

“We are doing this on a week-by-week basis, but we put March 1 out there to give us a time period to reach for,” Bradford said. “If the weather conditions are good for burning, we will lift it at that time.”

Bradford said dry weather conditions have been a major culprit in sparking these fires.

“With heavy winds and dry conditions, it’s easy for these fires to spread,” he said.

No one was injured in the fires and little property damage was reported.

To ensure safety, Bradford urged residents to adhere to the ban and “just use common sense” when it comes to starting fires outside.

“This is something we put in place for the safety of residents and first responders,” he said.

A burn ban includes any outside burning of debris, like leaves and grass. Contained outdoor grilling is permitted during the ban, but any “surface fire”—like bonfires—is prohibited.