TUPELO, MS – Due to elevated forest fire danger, the Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) has placed burn restrictions on all open fires effective immediately. These restrictions correspond with the partial state level burn bans issued by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and Alabama Governor Robert Bentley. This burn ban is effective immediately for the following counties in Mississippi and Alabama and has no exemptions. The Mississippi counties affected include (Adams, Attala, Clay, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Claiborne, Hinds, Leake, Lee, Madison, Itawamba, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tishomingo, Warren, Webster). In addition to this ban Jefferson County has been included on National Park Service property. The Alabama counties affected include (Colbert, Lauderdale). The ban currently affects the Parkway between mileposts 0 to 341.8. As of October 13, 2016, areas of the Parkway, located in Tennessee, are not affected.
The use of propane/gas grills or outdoor propane/gas heaters is not affected by the ban. The use of charcoal grills is not affected by the ban, but the coals and embers generated by a charcoal grill should be completely extinguished with water before removing or dumping. Any fire should not be left unattended and should be located safely away from other combustible materials. Fireworks are always strictly prohibited along the Parkway and other federal lands.
These restrictions remain in effect until the fire danger in these affected areas becomes less severe. These restrictions are dependent on extended fire weather and conditions, and will be evaluated daily. Visitors to the parkway should note that the restrictions may extend beyond those imposed by the States of Mississippi and Alabama.
National Park Service law enforcement may issue citations to anyone violating the terms of this closure, under the authority of Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 1.5(f). To decrease the potential for fire along the Parkway this season, we ask for everyone’s cooperation during this high fire danger period.
To report a wildfire along the Parkway, please call the Emergency Communication Center at 1-800-300-PARK (7275), or dial 911. For more information about the Natchez Trace Parkway Fire Management Division, please visit http://www.nps.gov/natr/parkmgmt/firemanagement.htm
Media Release/Office of the Superintendent, Natchez Trace Parkway
