Jackson County Woods Fire Spreads Over 500 Acres, 30% Contained

A massive woods fire in East Jackson County has been contained to about 30% of its size, according to Kevin Craft with the Mississippi Forestry Commission. The fire spans over 500 acres near Bayou Cumbest between Chevron Road and Bayou Heron Road.

The forestry commission and crews from the Sandhill Crane Refuge are assisting local firefighters in containing the blaze. As of Sunday night, the fire had burned approximately 520 acres.

Craft warned that evacuation orders may be necessary for areas around Bayou Columbus, and residents should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. So far, 10 homes have been evacuated with no reported damage or injuries.

Smoke from the fire is causing visibility issues on Interstate 10, and drivers are advised to exercise caution when traveling through the area.