State officials are assessing a growing wildfire in Carroll County.
Gov. Tate Reeves said Saturday morning that the fire is spanning 3,000 acres in the Mississippi Delta county and is only 40% contained. The cause and origin of the blaze have not been determined. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for Carroll County and the surrounding area, meaning a combination of dry air and moderate winds could lead to more fires breaking out. Evacuations are currently underway with the governor adding that emergency response crews are helping locals leave the area.
“The Mississippi Forestry Commission, Carroll County Fire Services, and MEMA are assisting in the response. County Roads 218, 144, and 163 have been evacuated. Additional roads may be evacuated as necessary,” Reeves wrote on X. “Firefighters are working diligently to contain the fire. Firebreaks around inhabited areas and a fire services helicopter have been deployed. The state of Mississippi will continue to deploy additional resources as necessary.”
There are currently 12 counties under a burn ban, two of which are Carroll and neighboring Grenada, per the Mississippi Forestry Commission.
“Please pray for the firefighters and emergency responders working to contain the wildfire,” Reeves added.