No Burn Order Cancelled For 12 Counties

Officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission say ground moisture levels in 12 north Alabama counties have increased enough to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire, justifying downgrading these counties from Drought Emergency (No Burn) to Fire Alert. Counties included are: Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Marion, Limestone, Lawrence, Winston, Madison, Morgan, Jackson, Marshall, and DeKalb.

Under a Fire Alert, trash and debris may be burned with caution, as may other small fires. Any fire more than a quarter-acre in size or within 25 feet of a forested area requires a permit from the Forestry Commission. 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.

The other 55 counties will remain under the current Drought Emergency (No Burn Order). Pursuant to this emergency rule it shall be unlawful, in all counties except those listed above, for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes; to build a campfire or bonfire; or to burn trash or other material that may cause a forest, grass, or woods fire until said declaration is lifted. This declaration applies to all counties under Drought Emergency except centralized sites approved by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management or the Alabama Emergency Management Agency for burning of tornado-related debris.

The drought emergency declaration does not prohibit the sale, possession, or use of any type of fireworks. The Forestry Commission urges anyone who plans to use fireworks during the 4th of July weekend to exercise caution due to the extremely dry conditions in most of Alabama. Fireworks should be used in an open area away from woods and dry grass, with a garden hose or other water supply on hand. People should also keep in mind that many cities in Alabama have ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks within city limits, and many of those cities have announced that they will be enforcing their fireworks ordinances strictly because of the danger of wildfires.

The Commission will continue to monitor ground moisture levels throughout the state. If ground fuels become exceptionally dry again, it may become necessary to re-issue a No Burn order in affected areas.

This Fire Alert in the 12 counties will remain in effect until lifted by the State Forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires. For more information contact any Alabama Forestry Commission county office or visit the Commission web page at www.forestry.alabama.gov.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is a state agency committed to protecting Alabama citizens and the state’s invaluable forest assets.

Tags: Wildfires

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