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CONSERVATION CORNER
(For the week of March 17, 2008)
Woods Arson
by James L. Cummins

We are in a time of year where we have low humidity and high winds. This means that the conditions for wildfire are greater than other times of the year.

Woods arson has historically been the leading cause of wildfires in Mississippi. Between 2002 and 2006, 14,979 wildfires burned more than 250,347 acres in the Magnolia State. In 2006 alone, 5,977 wildfires burned 124,833 acres in Mississippi with the average size of these wildfires covering 20.9 acres.

Accidental fires, defined as escaped control burns and debris burns are the second most common cause of wildfires in Mississippi and are just as costly and require the same types of action and resources as arson fires.

In 1993, in an attempt to abate the problem, the Mississippi State Legislature established law enforcement positions within the Mississippi Forestry Commission. The duties and authority of these officers are limited to woods arson. According to Section 49-19-13 of the Mississippi Code, "These officers may issue citations for any violation of those laws designed for the protection from fire recklessly or with gross negligence being communicated on the lands of another." Therefore, the Mississippi Forestry Commission and the Mississippi judicial system have the responsibility to pursue the arrest and conviction of wood arsonists – those individuals who show little or no concern for Mississippi's citizens, our forests and the diversity of resources supported by our forests.

In 2007, a total of 200 arson cases were investigated in Mississippi, one of which was on some of my wife's timberland. For woods arson felony cases, there were nine indictments in three counties, three convictions in two counties and one case is awaiting a grand jury hearing. In addition, there were four woods arson misdemeanor convictions and eight misdemeanor citations were issued. Fire investigators have found that in many cases, felonious woods arsonists are responsible for multiple fires. Therefore, when clear responsibility can be determined and these individuals are arrested, arson caused fires are halted.

However, when an individual is found to be responsible for setting a fire, they may be issued either a citation or a suppression invoice. While a citation is a criminal misdemeanor, much like a traffic citation – a suppression invoice is a bill from the State of Mississippi that attempts to recover the cost of time and resources spent on suppressing a wildfire.

Statute sections have been implemented to deal with the different acts and origins involved in woods arson. These sections clearly define the circumstances and intentions that may be involved in a wildfire and enforce penalties of $150 up to $1,000 in fines and up to 2 years in the state penitentiary. While these laws and regulations have helped in the fight against wildfires, the public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity. To report information leading to the conviction of anyone setting any arson forest fire – be it malicious intent or accidental – contact the Mississippi Forestry Commission Fire Law Enforcement, toll free, at 1-800-240-5161.