Alabama Forestry Commission gives wildfire update

Tuesday, March 4, was one for the record books for Alabama Forestry Commission wildland firefighters, and not in a good way.

With gusty winds and low relative humidities creating a dangerous environment for wildfires, AFC wildland firefighters suppressed 181 wildfires Tuesday - a record for one day.  The fires burned approximately 1,700 acres across Alabama.

Winston and Marion counties were not immune from wildfires yesterday, with several reports of brush fires breaking out, including one that got dangerously close to Old Bethel Church near the Winston/Walker county line.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is strongly encouraging residents to not do any outdoor burning until conditions improve.

"This time of year, anyone who insists on burning should use extreme caution and stay aware of local weather updates because of potential windy conditions,"  Elishia Ballentine, communications and public relations manager for the Alabama Forestry Commission, stated.

Safety recommendations include never leaving a fire unattended until it is out (cold to the touch), having the necessary equipment and personnel to control a fire and having a garden hose or other water supply on hand for smaller debris burns. 

Agricultural or silvicultural fires more than a quarter-acre in size or within 25 feet of a forested area require a permit from the AFC. Anyone who burns a field, grassland or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

For more information on how to obtain burn permits or about the Alabama Forestry Commission, visit their website at forestry.alabama.gov.