Carroll Co State Assist

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Carroll Co State Assist Fire, widely referred to by state officials as the "Big Hungry Fire," ignited on Friday, March 27, 2026. The fire originated in Carroll County, Mississippi, near Coila and the Black Hawk area, off County Road 145.
Size and Containment: Initially reported at approximately 1,500 acres, the fire rapidly expanded to 4,246 acres (roughly 6.6 square miles). As of April 2, 2026, the fire has reached 100% containment.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire exhibited explosive growth, fueled by heavy debris, dead timber, and young pine trees left behind by a severe January ice storm and 2023 tornado damage. The challenging Loess Bluff Hills terrain—characterized by steep ground, deep gullies, and high bluffs—made direct suppression tactics difficult and allowed the fire to easily jump dozer lanes.
Containment Efforts: A unified command and response effort involved the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC), Carroll County Fire Services, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Aviation Support, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and local volunteer firefighters. While USFS air support (which executed targeted water drops) has concluded, ground crews remain on the scene in the "mop-up" phase to clear debris and patrol the perimeter for hotspots.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: As a precaution during the fire's peak, evacuations were ordered for 10 homes along County Roads 218, 144, 163, and 360.
Evacuation Warnings: At the height of the incident, an additional 38 homes and two churches were threatened and closely monitored by fire crews.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Relief aid and support for first responders and displaced residents were provided over the weekend by the Cajun Navy, the American Red Cross, and Pinelake Church of Madison.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• County Road 145
• County Road 163
• County Road 218
• County Road 360
• County Road 144
  Residents are advised to avoid these rural, often one-lane dirt roads to allow heavy machinery and fire crews to safely conduct mop-up operations.

For more information, visit:

• Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC)
• Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
• Carroll County Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
Structures Impacted: Despite threatening nearly 40 structures, fire crews successfully protected the homes and churches. No structural damage has been reported.
School and Business Closures: No major school closures were reported. Local businesses and residents in the small town of Black Hawk were temporarily impacted by dense smoke, though normal activities have largely resumed.
Notable Impacts: Burning 4,246 acres, the Big Hungry Fire now stands as the second-largest wildfire in Mississippi history, surpassed only by the 2025 Shoot House Fire.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No widespread power outages have been reported as a direct result of the fire, though downed power lines from previous winter storms remain a localized hazard in the rural terrain.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Several counties in Mississippi have issued burn bans due to the extreme fire danger. The MFC strongly advises against all outdoor burning at this time.
Air Quality: Heavy smoke severely impacted the Black Hawk area over the weekend, reducing visibility to near zero and creating fog-like conditions. While the smoke has largely dissipated, residents with respiratory issues should remain cautious of smoldering hotspots.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire reached 100% containment on Tuesday morning, April 2, 2026. However, firefighters anticipate remaining on the scene for several days to monitor the perimeter, extinguish interior hotspots, and ensure that the 4,246 acres burned do not produce any new flare-ups.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The National Weather Service previously issued a Red Flag Warning for Carroll County and surrounding areas due to a combination of dry air, moderate winds, and low humidity. While immediate wind conditions have slightly improved, the region remains under an "Extreme Drought" status, keeping the risk for new wildfires exceptionally high.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire was heavily exacerbated by extreme weather and climate conditions. A severe, ongoing drought has left the region parched. Furthermore, recent extreme weather events—including a severe January ice storm and previous tornadoes—created a massive fuel load of broken trees and downed limbs across the forest floor. Combined with low humidity and gusty winds, these climate-driven factors turned the area into a tinderbox, facilitating one of the largest and fastest-moving fires in state history.

For more information, visit:

• Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) Wildfire Updates
• Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
• National Weather Service - Jackson, MS