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Wildfire Problem

| February 21, 2011 @ 4:19 pm | 6 Replies

This release is from the Alabama Forestry Commission… the wildfire danger will remain very high this week…

Wildfire activity was high this past weekend with Alabama Forestry Commission firefighters and fire departments responding to 81 wildfires that burned approximately 3,435 acres. Warm weather, lower humidity, and gusty winds are to blame for the increase in the fire numbers. Approximately 15 of those fires were 100 acres or larger in size. Officials with the Commission say a decrease in manpower due to budget reductions in 2010 is a contributing factor to the larger fires. The personnel decrease means fewer firefighters available to respond to fires as well as longer response times, allowing fires to grow larger in size before they are contained.

Although no burning restrictions have been issued at this time, State Forester Linda Casey is urging everyone to use extreme caution with all outdoor burning. Drier air being brought in by a cold front tonight is expected to send the relative humidity into the mid 30’s across much of north and central Alabama and the mid to upper 40’s in southern counties. Lower humidity, combined with warm temperatures and gusty winds will increase the potential for wildfire through the remainder of the week.

In the last seven days 267 fires have occurred across the state burning approximately 6,422 acres. For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit the AFC website at www.forestry.alabama.gov/fire_totals.aspx

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Category: Alabama's Weather

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James Spann is one of the most recognized and trusted television meteorologists in the industry. He holds the AMS CCM designation and television seals from the AMS and NWA. He is a past winner of the Broadcast Meteorologist of the Year from both professional organizations.

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