I-10 in southern Mississippi shut down due to large wildfire
An extensive heat wave across the South has led to record-breaking temperatures and drier-than-average conditions.
Sweltering heat wave in the South drags on
Areas in states, such as Florida and Texas, are under excessive heat watches and warnings as the summer heat waves continues. August 11, 2023.
HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. – Interstate 10 near the Louisiana-Mississippi border was shut down Friday afternoon for what troopers said was a fire along the roadway that grew into a large wildfire.
Several agencies, including the Mississippi Forestry Commission, responded to the flames that were estimated to have burned at least 200 acres.
Troopers said they were forced to shut down the roadway due to the proximity of the flames and smoke impacting visibility.
The shutdown led to traffic backups between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Gulfport, Mississippi, as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
BEFORE-AND-AFTER SATELLITE IMAGES OF MAUI AFTER DEADLY WIND-DRIVEN BRUSH FIRES
![Mississippi Highway Patrol Fire]()
Image 1 of 2Interstate 10 near the Louisiana-Mississippi border was shut down on Friday afternoon for what troopers said was a large grass fire along the roadway. (Mississippi Highway Patrol)
![Mississippi Highway Patrol Fire]()
Image 2 of 2Interstate 10 near the Louisiana-Mississippi border was shut down on Friday afternoon for what troopers said was a large grass fire along the roadway. (Mississippi Highway Patrol)
The Mississippi Forestry Commission reported that the wildfire was 25% contained, and dozens of crews were working to increase containment into the night.
Smoke from the fire was seen on Doppler radar moving from west to east across parts of southern Mississippi.
No homes were reported to be threatened by the flames, and the cause of the blaze is unknown.
HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TV
A MFC spokesperson said a lack of rainfall has caused the fire danger to creep up, and more than half a dozen counties are under burn bans to try to prevent accidental wildfires.
An extensive heat wave across the South has led to record-breaking temperatures and drier-than-average conditions.
The FOX Forecast Center said there does appear to be some relief from the heat along the Gulf Coast, and rain chances are expected to increase next week.
(FOX Weather)