HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — After the Alabama Forestry Commission issued a statewide fire alert due to dry conditions, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced additional fire precautions for state parks.
The Alabama Forestry Commission issued a statewide Fire Alert on September 22, 2023, which will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, according to ADCNR. “We encourage park visitors and overnight guests to be very cautious with campfires and grills during this period until we get some much-needed rain,” said Greg Lein, Director of ADCNR’s State Parks Division. “The current dry conditions have increased the risk for wildfires throughout the state.”
The additional Alabama State Parks fire precautions include the following:
- No campfires outside of designated day-use picnic areas, campgrounds or developed recreational areas.
- Barbecue grills and gas-fueled stoves are permitted only in designated day-use picnic areas, campgrounds or developed recreational areas.
- Do not use barbecue grills or gas stoves in areas that can scorch, burn or damage lawns or picnic tables.
- Place barbecue grills a minimum of 15 feet away from any flammable material such as grass, weeds, wood chips, brush or park facilities.
- Do not leave a campfire or grill unattended.
- Completely extinguish all burning fuel such as wood or charcoal before disposing of it in an existing fireplace, fire pit or barbecue grill.
ADCNR also asks park visitors to monitor each state park's social media accounts for updates on fire precautions and restrictions.
From the Alabama Forestry Commission website:
The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has issued a statewide Fire Alert effective immediately. While under a Fire Alert, permits for outdoor burning will be restricted. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.
This burning restriction is being issued because of the current drought situation, continued lack of precipitation, and high probability of fuel ignition. Weather predictions for the weekend include relative humidities under 20 percent and windy conditions with 15-30 mph gusts in areas. With this extremely dry weather, any fire can quickly spread out of control, not only resulting in damage to our forests but also threatening lives and destroying property.
