Saturday shoppers at the local Wal-Mart may see Picayune firefighters out front, boots in hand, in an effort to raise money for a new burn center in Mississippi.

Fire Chief Keith Brown said ever since Mississippi’s burn center in Greenville closed about two years ago, any firefighter or civilian who is burned is taken to the nearest burn center in Alabama or Louisiana. Funding problems and a change of ownership lead to the closing of Mississippi’s burn center, Brown said.

To set about raising money for a new burn center in Mississippi, firefighters across the state will set up in front of Wal-Marts to conduct fund raisers.

Firefighters will be out front with their boots to collect donations from the community. Also, the department will set up the fire safety trailer for the children.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday at the Picayune Wal-Mart.

Executive Director of Mississippi Fire Fighters Memorial Burn Association Amanda Fontaine said there is not a specific amount the effort is trying to raise.