Governor Issues Statewide Burn Ban After Destructive West Alabama Wildfires

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Amid severe drought conditions and several worrisome wildfires this week across Alabama, including Tuscaloosa County, Gov. Kay Ivey has issued a "No Burn Order" that went into effect at 8 a.m. Thursday.

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“Alabama is currently experiencing extremely dry conditions, which greatly increases the potential for dangerous wildfire activity. State Forester Rick Oates and his team have been working around-the-clock to keep our forests safe and fires contained, and I commend them for their efforts to protect Alabamians, our homes, and our wildlife,” Ivey said. “This declaration is meant to prevent unnecessary burning, reducing the chance of avoidable fires. I urge Alabamians to heed this warning.”

A statewide Fire Alert has been in place since Oct. 24, with state firefighters responding to 352 wildfires that have burned 3,199 acres across the state.

Indeed, as Patch previously reported on Tuesday, two homes and dozens of acres were destroyed by a wildfire in Brookwood. Fortunately, there were no injuries or loss of life as a result of the wildfires this week in Tuscaloosa County.

“These burning restrictions are a necessary result of the ongoing lack of precipitation and high probability of fuel ignition,” State Forester Rick Oates said. “During the last month we’ve seen an increase not only in the number of wildfires, but also in the size of those fires.” Oates continued, “With this prolonged drought, conditions are such that any outdoor fire can rapidly spread out of control, taking longer – and more firefighting resources – to contain and ultimately control. Even though we are predicted to get a small amount of rain this weekend, it will not be enough to lessen the wildfire danger.”

Ivey's office says the Drought Emergency Declaration order will remain in effect until rescinded by the state forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires.

The state asks those wishing to report wildfires to contact local law enforcement.

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