Officials urge residents to be cautious when burning outdoors

With the spring fire season well underway, State Forester Linda Casey is urging everyone to use caution when burning outdoors.
Weather conditions are such that any fire can quickly spread out of control, threatening lives, endangering homes and property, as well as resulting in damage to Alabama’s forests.
In the last 30 days, there have been 246 wildfires burning over 4,059 acres across the state. According to Casey, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has not issued any orders restricting burning at this time.
“However, with the unseasonably high temperatures we’re experiencing and the reduction in our agency’s wildland firefighting staff, we urge everyone to use extreme caution with all debris burning and outdoor fires, including campfires,” Casey said.
“The situation is particularly critical in areas of the state where timber downed from tornados is still on the ground.”
It is an Alabama state law to obtain a burn permit before you burn any woodland, grassland, field, or wood debris greater than one quarter acre or within 25 feet of flammable material.
Be sure to clear down to mineral soil around the area to be burned. Have enough tools, equipment, and manpower to safely control your fire. Once started, stay with the fire until it is completely out. To obtain a burn permit, call 1-800-242-2504.
The Alabama Forestry Commission is committed to protecting the state’s invaluable forest assets, as well as serving the citizens and landowners across Alabama.
For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit the AFC website at www.forestry.alabama.gov/fire_totals.aspx