Bird'S-Eye View Photography Of Trees — Guntersville, Alabama, United States (Nathan Anderson on Unsplash)

The State Forester of Alabama, Rick Oates, issued a statewide fire alert in response to the persisting drought conditions.

Just in the past weekend, 50 wildfires burned more than 2,300 acres of forestland across the state, including:

500-acre wildfire in Mobile County
412 acres in Coosa County
382 acres in Choctaw County
260 acres in Washington County
105 acres in Escambia County

In the last 30 days, a total of 387 wildfires have burned about 15,850 acres of forestland in Alabama.

When a fire alert is issued by the state, the Alabama Forestry Commission restricts the number of burning permits it issues. Only certified prescribed burn managers with adequate manpower and equipment may be issued a permit during a fire alert. Anyone who burns a field, grassland or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

“With no measurable rain in sight, the continued extremely dry conditions create dangerous wildfire behavior.

“These conditions create the potential for fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer and more of the agency’s firefighting resources to contain. Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters.”
Rick Oates, State Forester of Alabama

If the fire alert fails to control the wildfires, Governor Kay Ivey may issue a drought emergency, also known as a no burn order. In this case, no outdoor burning would be allowed to take place.

The fire alert will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at least through Monday, April 20, when conditions will be reevaluated.

To report a wildfire, call 800-392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.

To stay updated on Alabama news, sign up for our FREE newsletter and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn + Instagram.