Mississippi Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Mississippi - May 15, 2026

Overview

Mississippi is currently managing an elevated wildland fire environment driven by heavy fuel loads left behind by recent severe weather events, including past winter ice storms and tornado damage. The combination of accumulated storm debris, worsening drought conditions across the Southeast, and periodic breezy weather maintains an above-normal wildland fire potential across the region. The broader Southern Area is experiencing a heavy commitment of wildland fire resources to manage incident objectives and mitigate risks.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Firefighters and state agencies, including the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC), are actively managing ongoing wildfires, monitoring containment lines, and remaining on high alert for new starts. The abundance of downed timber and storm debris continues to pose a significant risk for flare-ups. Over the last 72 hours, crews have been aggressively working to reinforce containment lines, conduct mop-up operations in heavy timber areas, and patrol perimeters.

Key Fires:

• Smoke Show Fire: Located near New Augusta in Perry County within the National Forests in Mississippi, this fire has burned 4,896 acres and is currently 0% contained. It has been rapidly 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. Firefighters are actively monitoring the perimeter and managing containment lines.
• Big Hungry Fire: Located in Carroll County, this historic fire has burned 4,246 acres and is currently in the final mop-up and patrol phase. It was fueled by heavy fuel loads, including dry vegetation and thick accumulated debris from recent ice storms and tornado damage. It stands as one of the largest wildfires in Mississippi history. Crews continue to monitor the perimeter to ensure no new flare-ups occur in the heavy timber.
• Range 6 Fire: Located in Perry County, this fire has burned 2,160 acres. Firefighters have successfully established containment lines and are monitoring the area for hotspots.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Mississippi Forestry Commission continues to advocate for prescribed fires (controlled burns) to help restore health to fire-adapted environments and reduce the hazard of catastrophic wildfires caused by excessive fuel buildup. Currently, the Mississippi Forestry Commission reports that there are no active burn bans in the state. Landowners are encouraged to follow local regulations and check for daily updates before conducting any outdoor burning.
Air Quality: Smoke from the active fires and smoldering debris may impact local air quality, particularly in Perry and Carroll counties. Residents in these areas should remain aware of shifting winds and use caution if sensitive to smoke.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: The region is experiencing partly cloudy conditions with temperatures ranging from the upper 50s to mid-80s. High pressure is currently bringing dry and seasonably warm conditions across the state.
Forecasted Weather: A drying trend is expected over the next few days, with humidity levels dropping and breezy conditions developing. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) predicts elevated wildfire potential across much of the Southeast, including Mississippi, fueled in part by a worsening drought. Residents should remain vigilant as the combination of dry air, moderate winds, and dry vegetation increases the odds of fast-moving wildfires. Looking ahead to next week, southerly return flow may increase the chances for showers and thunderstorms, which could bring much-needed moisture to the region.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to clear dead brush and storm debris from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters and state agencies are working aggressively under challenging conditions due to the heavy fuel loads. Agencies are conducting fuel mitigation projects and utilizing prescribed burns where appropriate to clear high-risk areas and reduce excessive fuel buildup.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Mississippi Forestry Commission: www.mfc.ms.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.