Dothan, ALA – Alabama is currently facing heightened wildfire risk as a statewide advisory remains in effect. The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has issued a warning about the potential for erratic fire behavior, urging residents to exercise extreme caution. The advisory follows the restriction of all burn permits through Tuesday, March 4, in response to the state’s ongoing dry conditions.
The AFC has emphasized that anyone who sets a fire in a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit could be prosecuted for committing a Class B misdemeanor. The risk of wildfire has been compounded by low relative humidity levels and strong winds, which are expected to continue through the storm system arriving tomorrow. These conditions create the perfect environment for fires to spread quickly and unpredictably, posing a significant threat to both natural landscapes and nearby structures.
Over the weekend, AFC firefighters responded to approximately 96 wildfires across the state. As of today, 41 fires have been reported, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by authorities and firefighters in managing the crisis. The AFC has also cautioned those who have recently set fires to check their sites and ensure that all flames are completely extinguished. Smoking piles, located close to flammable vegetation, are especially prone to rekindling under the current conditions.
The Alabama Forestry Commission continues to monitor the situation closely and urges anyone spotting a wildfire to immediately call 911. For further information on the ongoing wildfire threat or other forestry-related concerns, the AFC recommends contacting local offices or visiting their website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.
As the storm system looms and the wildfire danger persists, Alabama residents are urged to stay vigilant and comply with burn restrictions to help prevent the spread of wildfires throughout the state.
