Burn ban lifted

By Staff
Jason Cannon, Franklin County Times
Thanks to recent rain showers, the Alabama Forestry Commission has lifted a No-Burn order for north Alabama, including Franklin County.
The No Burn order for counties in North Alabama has been downgraded to a Fire Alert.
Officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission say rain the state has received over the past few days has been enough to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire.
Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell said local residents can resume burning as long as they adhere to municipal and county ordinances.
"What they state has done is lift the ban on burning at all," Mansell said.
"The state's no burn order superceded all local ordinances. By lifting the ban, that puts the county and municipal ordinances back in effect governing local burning."
For questions about ordinances governing burning in your town or community, please contact your local town hall or the county commission office.
Mansell said any fire of more than a quarter-acre still requires a permit from the Forestry Commission.