HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As springtime blossoms across Alabama, residents are urged to familiarize themselves with regulations concerning vegetation disposal and burning, as outlined by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).
It is important to keep in mind that from May 1 to October 31, vegetative or land-clearing burning is prohibited in several counties. These counties include Baldwin, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Russell, Shelby, and Talladega. Exceptions may apply for vegetative and wood burning with prior approval from ADEM and the Alabama Forestry Commission.
"As you can tell, it's been super hot outside. It's been very dry. So as you're doing land clearing or any sort of waste disposal, there's a potential for those fires to get out of control," said Monrovia Volunteer Department Lt. James Filley.
"With the temperatures that we experience during this time of year. The smoke from burning vegetation can cause poor air quality in those counties," said Harvest Volunteer Fire Department Chief, Jake Chappell.
One of the biggest questions asked is why the burn ban is even in place.
"The burn ban is important because obviously you want to protect air quality," said Filley.
According to ADEM guidelines, vegetation can be managed in several ways. It can decompose naturally or be transported to an ADEM-permitted landfill but still not be burned. However, if certain conditions are met, people can burn clean vegetation. This includes burning only clean vegetation without any added fuel or non-vegetative refuse. The burning must occur on the property where the vegetation was generated, at least 500 feet away from the nearest occupied building, and away from roads to avoid visibility issues from smoke. Burning should start between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., with nothing being added to the fire after 3 p.m.
To read about ADEM's alternatives for the disposal of vegetation, visit here.