Calhoun County, AL Calhoun County, AlabamaIn response to an increase in wildfires, and the resulting drought conditions The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has swiftly taken action to issue a second fire Alert covering all 67 counties in the state. As of today, the Fire Alert carries critical restrictions and measures to protect Alabama’s forests and their inhabitants.
This extensive Fire Alert extends to the entire state however, its specific rules differ between the southern and northern regions. In the northern counties of 32, which are located approximately the north end of Interstate 20 the permit to burn is now completely suspended. Contrarily Southern counties 35 located to the south from Interstate 20, will allow certified prescribed burn managers the opportunity to apply for a one-day burn permit. It is vital to note that there are no exceptions to this policy.
The penalties for not complying of these regulations can be severe. Anyone who is found burning fields or grasslands with no permit for burning could face prosecution as the actions constitute an offense of Class B.
In the last week, AFC wildland firefighters have successfully fought off over 111 wildfires which have affected over 1,881 acres in Alabama’s valuable forestland. The increasing number of wildfires can be blamed on the escalating conditions of drought, and there is no rainfall forecast for the next week. October, which is traditionally the dryest month of the year in Texas increases the difficulty of fighting these fires. The extreme dryness of the weather leads to the possibility of outdoor fires breaking out of confinement and spreading quickly which requires more time and effort as well as additional firefighting resources to contain them.
The AFC is vigilant and committed to its goal of protecting Alabama’s precious forest resources as well as the wellbeing of its residents. For information on a wildfire residents are encouraged to call an Alabama Forestry Commission at (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current situation with wildfires across the state, or to resolve any forest-related issues, residents are urged to contact the closest AFC office or go to the website. web site.
