Wildland Fire Resources in Mississippi

Table of Contents

Mississippi’s wildfire activity doesn’t always make headlines, but ask anyone who’s hiked through pine savannas during a drought, and they’ll tell you: fire moves fast here. With vast timberlands, high fuel loads, and year-round burn potential, fire investigators in Mississippi need to stay nimble. Most wildfires are human-caused, many are preventable, and nearly all require multi-agency coordination.

In this wildland fire resources in Mississippi guide, we outline what you need to know to conduct effective investigations across Mississippi’s fire-prone landscape, who responds, where fires start, and how to stay trained and connected.

Explore further through our wildland firefighting resources page.

Use this live tool to monitor active wildland fires and updates in Mississippi:

Mississippi is home to more than 19 million acres of forestland, with loblolly and longleaf pine dominating the uplands. The state’s topography ranges from flat Delta lowlands to hilly uplands with fast-draining soils, ideal for surface fires in dry months.

• North Mississippi: Hardwood and mixed pine areas see debris burns and logging-related ignitions.
• Central Mississippi: Heavily forested and a frequent site for prescribed fire, but also home to escaped burns.
• South Mississippi: Coastal counties are a hotspot for wildland fire due to sandy soils, lightning strikes, and year-round vegetation growth.

Most fires are small, but the speed and proximity to homes can complicate investigations. Many fire scenes originate in areas used for hunting, recreation, or private forestry.

Wildfire Season Timeline

Wildfires can occur in any season, but two peak periods emerge in Mississippi:

• Late Winter/Early Spring (January–April): Dormant fuels, low humidity, and winds combine to make this the state’s most active fire season.
• Fall (October–November): Leaf litter and dry air masses contribute to a second ignition window.

Summer thunderstorms occasionally cause lightning fires, especially in southern counties, but human activity remains the dominant ignition source statewide.

Key State Agencies Involved

• Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC): The state’s lead agency for wildland fire suppression and investigation. MFC personnel operate bulldozers, fire towers, and suppression units, and they conduct cause-and-origin investigations.
• Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA): Coordinates statewide emergency response and mutual aid during large-scale or multi-county wildfire events.
• Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ): Involved in the enforcement of air quality regulations related to smoke and open burning.
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS): Oversees wildland fire management on federal lands, including Homochitto, Bienville, Holly Springs, and De Soto National Forests.

Wildland fire response in Mississippi is managed by a mix of local, state, and federal agencies. Here’s a closer look at the agencies involved, and contact details for emergencies. 

List of Local/State/Federal Fire Response Agencies

• Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC): Primary suppression and investigation agency for non-federal wildfires. It also provides fire prevention education, fuel management, and technical forestry support.
• Volunteer Fire Departments (VFDs): Often the first to arrive at wildfires in rural areas. Work alongside MFC and may assist with initial investigation and scene security.
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS): Manages fire suppression and investigation on federal lands. Fires on national forest property are handled according to NWCG protocols.
• Local Sheriff’s Offices: Assist with ignition source interviews, access control, and enforcement in criminal cases. Often serve as the first point of coordination for cause determination.
• Tribal Fire Response Teams: The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians maintains fire resources that respond to incidents on tribal lands, working closely with state and federal partners.

Contact Numbers and Emergency Links

• To Report a Wildfire: Dial 911
• Mississippi Forestry Commission Dispatch: 1-833-MFC-FIRE | mfc.ms.gov
• Burn Bans and Fire Danger Map: mfc.ms.gov/burn-bans
• Southern Area Coordination Center (SACC): gacc.nifc.gov/sacc

If you’re interested in wildland fire management, Mississippi offers various training programs and volunteer opportunities.

NWCG-Approved Academies and Centers

• Mississippi Wildland Fire Academy: Held annually in Pearl, MS. Offers FI-210, S-130/190, L-280, and other NWCG-certified courses.
• Southern Fire Exchange Training Hub: Regional offerings in cooperation with USFS, DOI, and local partners.

Volunteer and Seasonal Training Opportunities

• MFC Firefighter Hiring Program: Seasonal firefighters are recruited each year to assist with suppression and prevention.
• VFD Wildland Fire Courses: Conducted in partnership with MFC and MEMA. Includes red card–based instruction.
• Prescribed Burn Training Exchanges (TREX): Hosted periodically in Mississippi to train fire personnel across agency lines.

Mississippi wildfires move fast, burn close to homes, and often involve private lands with little formal access control. For investigators, that means walking a line between rural cooperation and procedural rigor.

We recommend monitoring daily fire danger ratings from the MFC, tracking weather outlooks and burn bans, and taking refresher courses to stay on top. 

How do I report a wildfire in Mississippi?

Dial 911. Your report will be routed to MFC or the appropriate VFD, depending on location.

Are burn permits required?

Yes. Permits may be required depending on county-level burn bans and restrictions. Always check with the Mississippi Forestry Commission.

Who investigates wildfires in Mississippi?

MFC handles most wildfire investigations, often in partnership with VFDs and sheriff’s offices. USFS leads on federal lands.

How do I become certified to fight wildland fires in Mississippi?

Enroll in NWCG training through the Mississippi Wildland Fire Academy or partner organizations like the Southern Fire Exchange.