MONTGOMERY — With drought conditions in North Alabama improving thanks to recent beneficial rainfall, the Alabama Forestry Commission is rescinding the Fire Danger Advisory for 21 counties.
The counties are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Pickens, St. Clair, Walker, and Winston, the agency said in a news release.
While these counties have seen a decrease in drought intensity, the rest of Alabama remains in moderate to extreme drought conditions.
The AFC urges anyone conducting outdoor burning to follow safety recommendations, including not leaving a fire unattended until it is out (cold to the touch), having the necessary equipment and personnel to control the fire, and having a garden hose or other water supply on hand for smaller debris burns.
The agency also recommends using extreme caution and staying aware of local weather updates because of potential windy conditions this time of year.
Any fire more than a quarter-acre in size or within 25 feet of a forested area requires a permit from the AFC. Burn permits may be obtained by calling 800-392-5679. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.
To report a wildfire, call 800-392-5679.
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