Jackson County Fire Protection - MS

Jackson County donated a surplus 2007 International fire engine to the McClain Volunteer Fire Department. Pictured are Deputy Director Ryan Heath, Director Earl Etheridge, District 5 Supervisor Randy Bosarge - who orchestrated the donation, the Mayor of McLain, and members of the McLain Volunteer Fire Department. We hope she serves you as well as she’s served us!

Some of our C-Shift firefighters conducted drafting operations training at our Big Point Station today. In rural areas where there’s no hydrants, we must establish water supply off tanker trucks or deploy a portable tank and draft the water into the pump. While not a frequent occurrence, drafting is a critical skill needed in rural firefighting.

Today, we proudly celebrate America’s 250th Birthday—250 years of freedom, courage, and the enduring spirit that makes our nation strong. As we gather with family and friends to enjoy cookouts, parades, and fireworks, let’s also do our part to keep this Independence Day safe for everyone.

Fireworks Safety Tips:
• Keep children and pets a safe distance away from fireworks.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers. Sparklers can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,200°F.
• Always have a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby.
• Never relight a firework that doesn’t ignite properly.
• Light only one firework at a time and move away quickly.
• Soak used fireworks thoroughly in water before placing them in the trash.

From all of us at Jackson County Fire Protection & the Office of Emergency Services, we wish you and your family a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day as we celebrate 250 years of American independence. Stay safe, celebrate responsibly, and enjoy the holiday!

Congratulations to Firefighter Joe Pace and the rest of Biloxi Recruit Class 2601 for earning their certifications as certified firefighters!

Recruit school is an eight to ten week program that prepares probationary firefighters to meet the minimum standards required to serve as career firefighters in the State of Mississippi. Throughout the academy, recruits train side by side each day, developing the knowledge, skills, and teamwork that are essential to the fire service. Although these firefighters represented four different departments, they came together as one team, forged lasting bonds, and earned the privilege of wearing the title of Firefighter.

A special thank you to the Biloxi Fire Department, their training staff, and everyone else who helped Class 2601 for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to developing the next generation of firefighters.

Graduates of Class 2601 are now certified as NFPA 1010 Firefighters and Hazardous Materials - Operations Level responders.

Joe was joined by his family, several of his shift mates, and others from our office to celebrate with him on this graduation day!

FYI for those in the area.

July 2, 2026

Informational Bulletin

Prescribed Fire Scheduled

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is planning to conduct a prescribed burn today, 7/2/26, at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. The potential burn site consists of 92 acres located North of Interstate 10 and West of Antioch Road in Jackson County, MS.

Prescribed fires are an essential part of Refuge management to restore the native wet pine savanna, which is home to the critically endangered Mississippi sandhill cranes and dusky gopher frogs. Burning to remove hazardous fuels also creates a safer environment for the public living in rural areas. Weather conditions are forecasted to be favorable for a successful burn and a burn permit has been issued from the State of Mississippi.

Personnel assisting with the burn are highly trained in wildland fire and maintains fire breaks around the Refuge. The public should be aware that smoke may move through some adjacent areas and that Refuge equipment & personnel will be in the area. There is a chance that roads in the area may be temporarily closed for safety reasons.

In observance of the Independence Day holiday, our administrative office will be closed Friday, July 3rd and will resume normal business on Monday, July 6th. As always, the fire stations will staffed and ready to respond!

As our country celebrates its 250th year of independence, we would like to ask our followers and citizens to please celebrate responsibly and stay safe over the weekend!

A few of our tanker/pumpers are undergoing pump testing at Station 6 today! These trucks have the capability of serving in dual roles due to their pumping capacity. They primarily serve as a water tender but can fill the role of a Class A pumper if needed. Class A pumpers are designated by the Mississippi Rating Bureau as a truck that is capable for use in structural firefighting. This testing process also ensures that our trucks are still capable of performing as designed.

Jackson County responded to a reported structure fire on Tennyson Drive in the St. Martin area. Firefighters arrived to find a small fire in a utility room in the garage area. The fire was extinguished by isolating the gas service to the residence at the meter. No one was home at the time of the fire. The cause was determined to be from a lightning strike during tonight’s weather. No injuries were reported and the call for service came in at approximately 9:00 PM.

Jackson County Fire Protection would like to recognize these firefighters for earning their certification from recent completion of the following courses:

NFPA 1041 - Fire & Emergency Services Instructor I
FF Brandon Durbin
FF Robert Owen

NFPA 1021 - Fire Officer I
FF Jacob Butler
FF Jacob Sauve

Your dedication to continuing education strengthens not only your skills as first responders but also the service we provide to our community every day. By investing time in learning and professional development, you help ensure we are always prepared to protect the people we proudly serve.

Thank you for your commitment to excellence!