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Effective immediately, State Forester Rick Oates has lifted the Fire Alert for eight counties in southwest Alabama which was issued on February 26. Scattered rainfall over most of the state during the past few days brought much needed relief to the state’s wildfire situation, and the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has resumed issuing permits for outdoor burning as usual. The alert lifting was announced on Tuesday.

During the last nine days of February, the AFC suppressed 311 wildfires, burning approximately 10,459 acres across Alabama. That number almost doubled the acreage burned by wildfire since October 1, the beginning of the agency’s fiscal year.

The AFC urges anyone conducting outdoor burning to follow safety recommendations such as 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.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets as well as its citizens. To report a wildfire, call (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.