With the worsening drought conditions
and no significant accumulation of rain in the long-range forecast, the Alabama
Forestry Commission (AFC) has now placed all counties across the state under a Fire
Danger Advisory. This advisory is effective immediately and will remain in
place until enough precipitation is received to improve drought impacts. Dead
pines in the forests which were devastated by southern pine beetles this summer
are adding to the increased wildfire potential, as well as challenges to
containment efforts.
Abnormally warm and dry conditions in the
last month have led to a steady rise in wildfire activity across Alabama. In the past 30 days, 246 wildfires have burned nearly 3,000
acres.
A
Fire Danger Advisory indicates that fuels conducive to the start and spread of
wildfire are more readily available during a drought. Although the AFC is not currently
issuing a burn restriction, the agency strongly discourages any outdoor burning
until conditions improve.