By Billy Davis

Gov. Haley Barbour has declared a State of Emergency, banning all outdoor burning because of extremely dry conditions statewide.

The governor’s declaration supersedes burn bans that were already in place for unincorporated Panola County and several of its municipalities.

The statewide ban means farmers who were given permission to burn off their fields must follow the state restrictions, said Panola EMA Director Daniel Cole.

The Mid-South region has gone about a month and a half without significant rainfall.

“Everyone across the state needs to take the threat of wildfire seriously,” Gov. Barbour said.