MONTGOMERY — With rain again bringing relief for many of Alabama’s wildland firefighters, the Alabama Forestry Commission is easing fire restrictions across much of the state.
As of this morning, the state lifted the No Burn order in 23 counties in North Alabama and dropped it to a Fire Alert. In those counties, one-day burn permits will be issued to certified prescribed burn managers only.
Meanwhile, burn restrictions have been lifted for 33 counties in the southern half of the state.
Because the rainfall was not distributed equally across the state and some counties did not get adequate precipitation to alleviate the drought conditions, 11 counties remain under the No Burn order issued by Gov. Ivey on Nov. 9. They are Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Jefferson, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, and Talladega counties.
Since Oct. 1, the Forestry Commission said wildland firefighters, with the assistance of volunteer fire departments, have battled 760 wildfires consuming more than 7,807 acres across the state. With the No Burn order in place, 86 wildfires have burned approximately 278 acres of land in Alabama.
The current burn restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester. This will only happen when conditions will have improved to reduce the chance of wildfires.
To report persons burning in violation of this law, contact local law enforcement.
For updated information on the wildfire situation, visit www.forestry.alabama.gov.
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