Alabama Forestry Commission issues statewide Fire Alert through April 20
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The Alabama Forestry Commission has issued a statewide Fire Alert that will remain in effect until at least April 20 due to worsening drought conditions and an increased wildfire risk.
State Forester Rick Oates announced the alert, citing dry conditions across Alabama along with low relative humidity that could allow fires to spread quickly.
According to the Forestry Commission, 387 wildfires have burned a combined 15,850 acres of forestland statewide over the past month.
Under the Fire Alert, permits for outdoor burning will be restricted only to Certified Prescribed Burn Managers. Officials are urging residents to avoid any outdoor burning while the alert remains in place.
The agency also warns that anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit could face prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.
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