Alabama Lifts Statewide Burn Ban: Alabama has lifted all burn restrictions across the state, effective immediately, as announced by the Alabama Forestry Commission on Monday afternoon. Governor Kay Ivey had previously imposed a statewide ‘No Burn’ Order on November 9 due to extremely dry conditions, heightening the risk of dangerous wildfires.
While the commission resumes issuing burn permits, eleven countiesBlount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Jefferson, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, and Talladegaremain under a ‘fuel advisory.’ This status demands extra safety measures during burning activities due to ongoing dry conditions.
State Forester Rick Oates acknowledged the improving situation, stating, Although we still have not received enough rain to eliminate drought conditions in all areas of the state, we are beginning to see a wetter pattern. Oates highlighted higher humidities and improved nighttime recovery from dew fall as contributing factors reducing the risk of significant wildfire potential.
However, Oates cautioned that despite the return to wetter weather, drought conditions persist, and fires can still escape, especially during gusty conditions or low relative humidity. Fires in the organic layer of the soil can pose containment challenges and burn for days.
Residents in the mentioned northeastern counties or drought-declared areas are urged to exercise extreme caution during outdoor burning. Precautionary measures include clearing around the burn site, saturating the soil to prevent fire escape, and having necessary equipment and personnel for fire control. Additionally, individuals should never leave fires unattended and ensure proper extinguishment before leaving the site. For smaller debris burns, having a garden hose or water supply on hand is recommended.
READ MORE: No Burn Order Lifted in South Alabama: as Wildfire Threat Subsides
Also Read: Councilman Ben Reynolds Takes a Stand: Against Warehouse Project Mobile Wetlands
Our Reader’s Queries
Has burn ban been lifted in Alabama?
Alabama’s burn restrictions have been lifted by the Alabama Forestry Commission, effective immediately. This decision follows Gov. Kay Ivey’s Drought Emergency Declaration on Nov. 9.
Is there a burn ban in Alabama 2023?
As of December 4, 2023, the statewide burn order in Alabama has been lifted by the Alabama Forestry Commission. For further details, please click here.
What is the burn ordinance in Alabama?
It is deemed a Class A misdemeanor for anyone to recklessly or with wanton disregard for the safety of people or property, burn, attempt to burn, or cause a fire to any forests, grasslands, woodlands, or other flammable vegetation on any non-owned, leased, or controlled land.
Has the Harris County burn ban been lifted?
Unincorporated Harris County currently does not have a burn ban in effect.