As drought conditions worsen, due to the recent lack of precipitation and high temperatures, the Alabama Forestry Commission is issuing a Statewide Fire Danger Advisory. 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.

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.

As this advisory continues and potentially escalates, it is essential to maintain situational awareness. Burning debris piles can continue to smolder for multiple days, eventually spreading out of a previously contained area. Under these critically dry conditions, chances of embers igniting outside of the main burn area are increased. 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.

The Alabama Forestry Commission will continue to monitor the strengthening drought and wildfire statistics across the state. The agency will evaluate if further restrictions are needed in the coming weeks.

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