Unseasonably warm weather is putting Alabama at risk of wildfire, State Forester Linda Casey said in a statement this afternoon. And, due to staffing cuts, the Alabama Forestry Commission would have fewer people to stop wildfires once they start, she added.
Casey urged everyone to use caution when burning outdoors because any fire can quickly spread out of control.
In the past 30 days, there have been 246 wildfires burning over 4,059 acres across the state. About 100 of those acres were in Jefferson and Shelby counties.
"We urge everyone to use extreme caution with all debris burning and outdoor fires, including campfires," said Casey. "The situation is particularly critical in areas of the state where timber downed from tornadoes is still on the ground."
Alabama state law requires people to obtain a burn permit before burning any woodland, grassland, field, or wood debris that is greater than one quarter acre or that it within 25 feet of flammable material.
You should also be sure to clear the ground down to soil around the area to be burned and you should have enough tools, equipment, and manpower to safely control your fire. Once the fire is started, stay with it until the fire is completely out.
To obtain a burn permit, call 1-800-242-2504.