Alabama Forestry Commission lessens fire restrictions in some counties

Thanks to the rain of the past week, burn restrictions have been lifted in 33 counties in South Alabama, the Alabama Forestry Commission announced.

The commission also downgraded the status to a “Fire Alert” in 23 North Alabama counties.

However, because the rainfall was unevenly distributed throughout the state, 11 counties did not have the burn ban lifted. Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Jefferson, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, and Talladega counties still remain under the No Burn order.

The burn restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester.

Since Oct. 1, AFC wildland firefighters, with the assistance of volunteer fire departments, have battled 760 wildfires which have destroyed more than 7,807 acres across the state.

With the No Burn order in place since Nov. 9, some 86 wildfires have burned approximately 280 acres of land in Alabama.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.