The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has issued a statewide Fire Danger Advisory due to persistent drought conditions and a continued lack of rainfall across much of the state.
The agency says the advisory will remain in effect until Alabama receives sufficient rainfall to ease severe dry conditions, especially in Central Alabama, according to the AFC’s news release.
The AFC reports that dry weather, high temperatures, and low humidity have created ideal conditions for wildfires. The elevated fire danger will persist for the foreseeable future unless the state experiences significant rainfall.
Officials warn that under these critically dry conditions, a single spark could quickly ignite a wildfire, threatening property, natural resources, and public safety.
The agency cautioned that burning debris piles can smolder for days and may spread beyond containment, while fires in deep duff layers (decaying plant material beneath trees) can burn for extended periods and even cause tree mortality.
Additionally, driving vehicles into tall grasses or using equipment such as bush-hogs, hay balers, or mulchers can generate sparks that ignite fires.
To help protect lives and property, the AFC urges all residents to follow these guidelines:
- Refrain from burning until conditions improve.
- If burning is necessary, obtain a permit for prescribed burns.
- Ensure adequate equipment and personnel are available before lighting any fire.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Conduct post-burn patrols for several days to confirm no reignition has occurred and firebreaks remain intact.
- In residential areas, keep a water hose nearby and soak debris piles thoroughly after burning until the area is completely cold.
- Avoid driving or parking vehicles in tall grass or operating machinery that could emit sparks.
The AFC says it will continue monitoring conditions and may implement additional restrictions or burn bans if drought conditions worsen in the coming weeks.
