Update
The Mississippi Forestry Commission announced Wednesday evening, April 15, the state burn ban is no longer in effect.
Original article below
JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) — Governor Tate Reeves put a statewide burn ban into effect immediately on Thursday because of the coronavirus.
The Mississippi Forestry Commission asked for the ban to ease the strain on emergency responders who are having to deal with the virus.
Russell Bozeman, the state forester, added that the smoke produced by the fires "creates problems for anyone with respiratory issues and increases our firefighters' chances of exposure when they respond."
Trouble breathing is one of the coronavirus symptoms.
There are no exceptions with this burn ban, and deputies who find someone violating the ban can fine that person and hold them responsible for any smoke or fire damage.
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