Smoke Show

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Smoke Show Fire was reported on April 13, 2026 (with initial incident activity noted as early as April 11), in Perry County, Mississippi. The fire is located near New Augusta, approximately 16.4 miles north of Wiggins, within the National Forests in Mississippi.
Size and Containment: Based on updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 500 acres and is currently 0% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been rapidly growing, primarily fueled by dry vegetation, dead timber, and heavy brush. The fuel load in this area is exceptionally high due to a significant accumulation of debris left behind by previous severe weather events, including ice storms and tornadoes.
Containment Efforts: The incident is being actively managed under a full suppression strategy by the US Forest Service - National Forests in Mississippi (MSMNF) alongside the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC). While localized moisture over the last 72 hours has somewhat mitigated active fire spread, crews are aggressively working to establish containment lines and conduct mop-up operations in the heavy timber.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Smoke Show Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no evacuation warnings active at this time.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Because there is no immediate threat to populated areas, no emergency evacuation shelters have been established.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are currently no major road closures, school closures, or infrastructure closures reported in relation to this fire.
• Residents and travelers in Perry County are advised to remain cautious of fire equipment operating in the area and potential smoke on local roadways.

For more information, visit:

• Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) Wildfire Updates
• InciWeb - Incident Information System
• Mississippi Emergency Management Agency

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Smoke Show Fire.
Structures Impacted: The fire is burning in a remote, forested area. No structures or notable infrastructure have been reported damaged, threatened, or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No schools or local businesses have been impacted or closed.
Notable Impacts: The primary impact is on the local timber and forest ecosystem within the National Forests in Mississippi.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no reported power outages associated with this incident.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Burn bans are currently in effect across the region, strictly prohibiting anything with an open flame that produces an ember, such as campfires, bonfires, and debris burning. The MFC has suspended daily burn permits in counties under burn bans or Red Flag Warnings.
Air Quality: Smoke from the active wildfire may impact local air quality in Perry County and surrounding areas. Residents are advised to remain aware of smoke dispersion and use caution, especially those with respiratory conditions.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire remains 0% contained. Crews are continuing aggressive containment and mop-up operations to secure the perimeter. However, the abundance of dead timber poses a significant risk for flare-ups, which firefighters will monitor closely over the coming days.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The National Weather Service in Jackson has issued Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches for portions of central Mississippi and surrounding zones. Critical fire weather conditions are expected through the next 24 to 72 hours, driven by west to northwest wind gusts reaching 25 to 30 mph and relative humidity dropping as low as 8 to 12 percent.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Smoke Show Fire is currently unknown and remains under investigation.
Weather and Climate: Mississippi is navigating a highly active and historic spring fire season driven by extreme climate factors. Moderate to Exceptional Drought conditions currently cover over 96% of the Southeast, creating an environment ripe for rapid fire spread. This early surge in wildfires is being fueled by an intense heat dome over the central and southern U.S., dormant spring grasslands, and a significant accumulation of dead timber from past severe weather events.

For more information, visit:

• Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) Wildfire Updates
• InciWeb - Incident Information System
• Mississippi Emergency Management Agency