Update: Two controlled burns could send smoke across South MS, cause traffic delays

One day after a planned burn of 187 acres in the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service each plan prescribed burns Friday in Jackson County.

The prescribed at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge consists of 83 acres located south of Interstate 10 and West of Gautier Vancleave Road in Gautier, according to a news release from the refuge.

Prescribed fires are an essential part of Refuge management to restore the native wet pine savanna, which is home to the critically endangered Mississippi sandhill cranes and dusky gopher frogs. Burning to remove hazardous fuels also creates a safer environment for the public living in rural areas. Weather conditions are forecasted to be favorable for a successful burn and a burn permit has been issued from the State of Mississippi, according to the release.

The National Park Service plans to conduct controlled burns within the Davis Bayou Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore near Ocean Springs on April 11 and 12, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore planned burns will only occur if specific weather conditions and associated prescriptions (e.g. wind direction, wind speed, humidity, smoke dispersion, etc.) are met. The park will review the conditions on the morning of each potential burn day to determine if the burn is within the identified prescription indices necessary for the controlled burn to take place, according to a news release from the park service.

Park visitors and surrounding residents may experience minor smoke impacts and possibly short-term road closures necessary for the safety of visitors, firefighters, and equipment.

The park has developed small burn blocks, to mitigate potential community impacts. Ground ignition will be used to limit smoke and help provide maximum control of the burn areas.

Pine flatwood habitats in the Davis Bayou Area depend upon regular fire to maintain this ecosystem type, which is important for several protected wildlife and botanical species. Fire is a natural process, and proactive measures can diminish the possibility or prevent wildfires from spreading. Introducing fire into the ecosystem, through the park’s prescribed fire program can help curtail the risk to life, property, and resources in the event of a wildfire caused by a lightning strike or incidental human causes. Beyond preventative measures, fire can benefit wildlife and their habitat.

This story was originally published April 10, 2025 at 10:34 AM.