According to the Alabama Forestry Commission, Gov. Kay Ivey’s No Burn orders have been removed in 33 south Alabama counties, citing varying levels of rainfall.
No Burn Order Lifted in Southern Countries of Alabama
The No Burn order is lifted at 5 p.m. and covers all counties south of Sumter, Greene, Hale, Perry, Dallas Autauga, Elmore, Macon, and Lee. These counties will revert to the less restrictive Fire Alert status, which means that only certified prescribed burn managers will be awarded burn permits. The remaining 34 counties in the state’s northern half will be subject to the governor’s No Ban order until it is rescinded. According to Rick Oates, the state forester, the recent rain could assist the wildfire situation in several counties for the time being, and more rain is expected. Unfortunately, there was insufficient precipitation in the northern counties to lift the No Burn order. Rain expected early next week may allow for a re-evaluation of the issue.
Since Oct. 1, AFC wildland firefighters have battled 727 wildfires across the state, consuming more than 7,770 acres, with the help of volunteer fire departments, according to the AFC. AFC reports that just 53 wildfires have burned around 200 acres of land since the No Burn order was issued on November 9. Visit the Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at www.forestry.alabama.gov for more information on the current wildfire situation in the state.
READ ALSO: Central Park Zoo Flooded Due to Heavy Rainfall; Sealions Escaped but Eventually Returns