By Lanell Downs Smith

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has reinstated a statewide fire alert effective immediately. In the 32 counties roughly north of U.S. Interstate 20, no burn permits will be issued. South of I-20, the 35 southern counties, certified prescribed burn managers will have the option to obtain a one-day burn permit. 

According to an AFC statement issued Tuesday, no exceptions will be made to this rule. “Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor,” said AFC Communications and Public Relations Manager Elisha Ballentine.

The commission’s wildland firefighters responded to 111 wildfires during the past seven day, extinguishing flames that scorched more than 1,881 acres of Alabama forestland.

“ Drought conditions are expected to worsen as no rain is forecast for the next week, and October is historically the state’s driest month,” Ballentine said. “This extremely dry weather creates a greater-than-average potential for outdoor fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer – and more firefighting resources – to contain and ultimately control.”

Call the Alabama Forestry Commission at (800) 392-5679 to report a wildfire.

For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact a local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/Fire/Totals.aspx. 

The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets as well as its citizens.