Due to increasingly dry conditions occurring throughout the most of the state, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has reinstated “additional fire precautions” for Alabama’s state parks.
“October is one of the driest months in Alabama and the continuing lack of rain has increased the risk for wildfires statewide,” Greg Lein, director of the State Parks Division, said. “We encourage park visitors and overnight guests to be very cautious with campfires and grills during this period until we get some much-needed rain.”
The additional precautions are:
- No campfires outside of designated day-use picnic areas, campgrounds or developed recreational areas.
- Barbecue grills and gas-fueled stoves are permitted only in designated day-use picnic areas, campgrounds or developed recreational areas.
- Do not use barbecue grills or gas stoves in areas that can scorch, burn or damage lawns or picnic tables.
- Place barbecue grills a minimum of 15 feet away from any flammable material such as grass, weeds, wood chips, brush or park facilities.
- Do not leave a campfire or grill unattended.
- Completely extinguish all burning fuel such as wood or charcoal before disposing of it in an existing fireplace, fire pit or barbecue grill.
The fire alert, issued Tuesday by the Alabama Forestry Commission, will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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