West Point Fire/Rescue

📢With worsening drought conditions across the state and low relative humidity, State Forester Rick Oates has issued a statewide Fire Alert effective immediately.

Over the past weekend, 50 wildfires burned more than 2,300 acres of forestland across the state. This includes a 500-acre wildfire in Mobile County, one for 412 acres in Coosa County, one for 382 acres in Choctaw County, one for 260 acres in Washington County, and another one for 105 acres in Escambia County.

In the last 30 days, 387 wildfires have burned approximately 15,850 acres of forestland across the state.

“With no measurable rain in sight, the continued extremely dry conditions create dangerous wildfire behavior,” said Oates. “These conditions create the potential for fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer and more of the agency’s firefighting resources to contain. Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters.”

This Fire Alert will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at least through Monday, April 20. Conditions will be reevaluated at that time. Permits for outdoor burning will be restricted only to Certified Prescribed Burn Managers. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets and its citizens. To report a wildfire, call (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov

📢AFC URGING CAUTION AGAINST WILDFIRES📢

With forecasts calling for elevated wind speeds and a dry front passage across the state, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) strongly discourages any outdoor burning until conditions improve. The agency also points to dropping relative humidity and an increase in wind speed on Saturday as especially concerning.

With the anticipation of critical fire weather conditions, AFC is issuing a Fire Danger Advisory on Friday, March 27. The potential for critical fire weather elevates on Saturday, March 28, increasing the threat issued to a Fire Alert. By Sunday, March 29, the potential for critical fire weather decreases slightly, lowering the threat issued to a Fire Danger Advisory.

The combination of these conditions creates a greater-than-average potential for outdoor fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer – and more of the agency’s firefighting resources – to contain and ultimately control. Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters.

Prescribed burn permits will be limited to only Certified Prescribed Burn Managers on Friday. Permits for outdoor burning will not be issued to anyone on Saturday. The AFC plans to resume regular permit issuing on Sunday, March 29, provided improved weather conditions. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

In the last seven days, 147 wildfires have burned approximately 5,600 acres of forestland across the state. This includes a large wildfire in Wilcox County (963 acres), one for 464 acres in Montgomery County, one for 505 acres in Marengo, and four others over 200 acres in Choctaw, Covington, Etowah, and Walker counties.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets as well as its citizens. To report a wildfire, call (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website.

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. Working smoke alarms give you an early warning.

Use this weekend as an opportunity to check the date of your smoke alarms. For more safety tips: nfpa.org/smokealarms

With many newer smoke alarms featuring 10-year batteries, the messaging around smoke alarms and batteries has evolved.

As begins this Sunday, remember to adjust your clocks and check your smoke alarm batteries—only if needed. Don't forget to test your alarms monthly.

Learn more at nfpa.org/smokealarms.

Please avoid outside burning today. With winds expected to blow 15 to 25 mph today fire can spread rapidly. Ground cover is dry. So please waiting until conditions are more favorable.