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The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has issued a Fire Danger Advisory for Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Wilcox counties in the southwest region effective immediately until significant rainfall is received. Current drought conditions and persistent high temperatures have combined to create a high probability of fuel ignition and an atmosphere favorable for wildfires. In coastal areas, sea breezes and nearby thunderstorms may produce problematic changes in wind velocities that result in extreme fire behavior and heightened danger for first responders.

“Unrelenting heat and drought development have led to a steady increase in wildfire activity across south Alabama in the last few weeks,” said AFC Southwest Regional Forester Benji Elmore. “Both number and size of wildfires have increased. In the past 30 days, 112 wildfires have burned approximately 1,339 acres. More than half of that acreage occurred in Mobile County.”

Although the state is not under any type of burn restriction, the Commission advises that people delay outdoor burning until conditions improve if possible. While under the Fire Danger Advisory, all necessary safety precautions should be exercised when doing any type burning. As always, call the Alabama Forestry Commission for a burn permit.