Gov. Kay Ivey issues statewide no-burn order because of drought
Gov. Kay Ivey issued an order Wednesday to prohibit all outdoor burning in Alabama because of dry conditions that have caused more than 300 wildfires in the last two weeks.
The statewide drought emergency declaration takes effect Thursday at 8 a.m.
“State Forester Rick Oates and his team have been working around-the-clock to keep our forests safe and fires contained, and I commend them for their efforts to protect Alabamians, our homes and our wildlife,” Ivey said. “This declaration is meant to prevent unnecessary burning, reducing the chance of avoidable fires. I urge Alabamians to heed this warning”
Since a statewide fire alert was issued Oct. 24, Alabama Forestry Commission firefighters have responded to 352 wildfires that have burned 3,199 acres across the state, the governor’s office said in a press release.
“These burning restrictions are a necessary result of the ongoing lack of precipitation and high probability of fuel ignition,” Oates said. “During the last month, we’ve seen an increase not only in the number of wildfires, but also in the size of those fires. With this prolonged drought, conditions are such that any outdoor fire can rapidly spread out of control, taking longer – and more firefighting resources – to contain and ultimately control. Even though we are predicted to get a small amount of rain this weekend, it will not be enough to lessen the wildfire danger.”
The drought emergency declaration order will remain in effect until the state forester rescinds it. That will come after conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the frequency and danger of wildfires, the governor’s office said.
The governor’s office said people should report violations of the no-burn order to law enforcement. For more information visit the Alabama Forestry Commission’s website.
Read more: Alabama drought: How bad is it, and when could it end?