Special to the News
As drought conditions across the state improve with recent beneficial rainfall, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is rescinding the Fire Danger Advisory for all Alabama counties, as of yesterday.
The agency is constantly monitoring conditions and will continue to make recommendations regarding outdoor burning to ensure the safety of Alabama’s forestland and citizens.
The AFC continues to urge anyone conducting outdoor burning to follow safety recommendations, including not leaving a fire unattended until it is out (cold to the touch), having the necessary equipment and personnel to control the fire and having a garden hose or other water supply on hand for smaller debris burns.
The agency also recommends exercising extreme caution and staying informed about local weather updates because of the potential for windy conditions this time of year.
Any prescribed fire applied to naturally occurring vegetative fuels for ecological, silvicultural, agricultural, or wildlife management purposes under specified environmental conditions requires a permit from the AFC. Burn permits can be obtained by calling 800-392-5679 and are available at no charge.
Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.
The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets, as well as its citizens. To report a wildfire, call 800-392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.
