The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has issued a Statewide Fire Danger Advisory as drought conditions worsen across the state, fueled by high temperatures and limited rainfall.

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According to the AFC, “Until the state receives sufficient rainfall to alleviate the severe dry situation, especially in central Alabama, this elevated fire danger will persist for the foreseeable future.”

With the advisory in effect and the potential for conditions to worsen, staying alert is important. Debris piles may smolder for several days and can reignite, spreading beyond the area that was originally contained. “Under these critically dry conditions, chances of embers igniting outside of the main burn area are increased,” said the AFC.

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) will continue to monitor drought conditions and wildfire activity throughout the state.

AFC Guidance

• Mitigation measures should be considered to protect lives and property from wildfire damage.
• If possible, refrain from burning until fire danger has diminished.
• Always obtain a permit for prescribed burns, and ensure adequate equipment and personnel are present.
• Never leave a fire until it is safely extinguished.
• Conduct post-burn patrols for several days to ensure that reignition has not occurred and firebreaks have not been compromised.
• In residential areas, be sure to have a water hose prepared and adjacent to the burning area.
• After burning debris piles, it is necessary to thoroughly soak the area until cold.
• Fires in areas with deep duff (layers of decaying vegetable matter covering the ground under trees) can also continue to burn for extended periods of time, potentially causing tree mortality.
• Driving vehicles into tall grasses, as well as equipment use such as bush-hogging, hay baling, or mulching, can spark ignition.