Alabama Forestry Commission issues Fire Danger Advisory

The Alabama Forestry Commission has issued a statewide Fire Danger Advisory due to dry conditions and the lack of rainfall in the weather forecast.

The forestry commission says until the state gets sufficient rainfall to ease the severe dry situation, especially in Central Alabama, this elevated fire danger will persist for the foreseeable future.

It asks you to refrain from burning until fire danger has diminished, always get a permit for prescribed burns and ensure adequate equipment and people are present so that a fire doesn’t get out of control.

The commission says to never leave a fire until it is safely extinguished, conduct post-burn patrols for several days to ensure that reignition has not occurred and firebreaks have not been compromised.

In residential areas, it says to be sure to have a water hose prepared and adjacent to the burning area. After burning debris piles, it is necessary to thoroughly soak the area until cold.

It reminds you that driving vehicles into tall grasses, as well as equipment use such as bush-hogging, hay baling or mulching, can spark ignition.

The agency says it will evaluate if further restrictions are needed in the coming weeks.