Alabama Forestry Commission

Firefighters urge caution

Fire burns along a steep cliff off Magnolia Drive, which resulted in several rekindles for Helicon and Arley fire departments during recent dry weather conditions. (courtesy photo)

Fire burns along a steep cliff off Magnolia Drive, which resulted in several rekindles for Helicon and Arley fire departments during recent dry weather conditions. (courtesy photo)
WINSTON COUNTY - Firefighters are sending out strong warnings that brush fires are posing a major danger currently, keeping firefighters tied up by responding.

Pine beetle epidemic hits county

An aerial view of Southern pine beetle infestations scattered through the forest near Rock Creek Baptist Church, about three miles north of Double Springs, on Tuesday, Aug. 20. (Photo by Mike Henshaw, Winston County Natural Resources Council)

An aerial view of Southern pine beetle infestations scattered through the forest near Rock Creek Baptist Church, about three miles north of Double Springs, on Tuesday, Aug. 20. (Photo by Mike Henshaw, Winston County Natural Resources Council)

WINSTON COUNTY - The Alabama Forestry Commission announced last week that Southern pine beetle infestations have reached "epidemic" levels in the state and identified Winston County and the Bankhead National Forest among the worst hit areas.
The August 22, AFC press release said the organization had identified nearly 5,000 SPB spots, "with an average mortality of 191 pine trees per spot," across Alabama as of that date, but on Tuesday, Aug. 27, Acting Bankhead District Ranger Tyler Fish said there are over 1,000 individual spots in the Bankhead alone.

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