The Alabama Forestry Commission has issued a Statewide Fire Danger Advisory as drought conditions worsen due to a lack of precipitation and high temperatures. The advisory will remain in effect until sufficient rainfall alleviates the severe dry conditions, particularly in central Alabama.
Residents are urged to consider mitigation measures to protect lives and property from potential wildfire damage. The commission advises refraining from burning until the fire danger diminishes. If burning is necessary, individuals must obtain a permit for prescribed burns and ensure adequate equipment and personnel are present. Fires should never be left unattended until they are fully extinguished, and post-burn patrols should be conducted for several days to prevent reignition and ensure firebreaks remain intact.
In residential areas, having a water hose ready and adjacent to the burning area is recommended. After burning debris piles, the area should be thoroughly soaked until cold. The advisory warns that burning debris piles can smolder for days, potentially spreading beyond the contained area. Critically dry conditions increase the risk of embers igniting outside the main burn area, and fires in areas with deep duff can burn for extended periods, potentially causing tree mortality…