MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has issued a Fire Alert for four southwest Alabama counties effective immediately. This order for Baldwin, Escambia,Monroe, and Washington counties was issued today by State Forester Linda S. Casey. While under a Fire Alert, burn permits will be issued at the discretion of the State Forester.
According to Casey, the Fire Alert was issued because of extremely dry weather conditions in that part of the state, the increasing number and size of wildfires that have occurred recently, and reduced availability of firefighting staff and suppression resources. “Under the present drought situation, conditions are such that any fire can quickly spread out of control, not only resulting in damage to our forests but also threatening and destroying homes. In these four south Alabama counties, 454 wildfires have burned approximately 8,593 acres of land since Jan. 1.”
This Fire Alert will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires. The Commission is urging everyone to exercise all necessary safety precautions when doing any type of outdoor burning, and to call the Alabama Forestry Commission to obtain a burn permit. Burning without a permit is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or up to a $3,000 fine.
For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local Alabama Forestry Commission office or visit the AFC website at
www.forestry.alabama.gov/fire_totals.aspx. The Alabama Forestry Commission is a state agency committed to protecting Alabama citizens and the state’s invaluable forest assets.
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