With rainfall over most of the state the past few days bringing relief to Alabama’s wildfire situation, State Forester Rick Oates has lifted the Fire Alert for eight counties in southwest Alabama
The Alabama Forestry Commission has also resumed issuing permits for outdoor burning. The alert was issued Feb. 26.
During the last nine days of February, the AFC said it suppressed 311 wildfires, burning approximately 10,459 acres across Alabama. That number almost doubled the acreage burned by wildfire since Oct. 1, the beginning of the agency’s fiscal year.
The Forestry Commission urges anyone conducting outdoor burning to follow safety recommendations such as 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 using extreme caution and staying aware of local weather updates because of potential windy conditions this time of year. Any fire more than a quarter-acre in size or within 25 feet of a forested area requires a permit from the AFC.
Burn permits may be obtained by calling 800-392-5679. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor. To report a wildfire, call 800-392-5679.