The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is "strongly" discouraging outdoor burning as dry conditions and elevated winds will cause the risk of wildfires this weekend.Â
A Fire Danger Advisory was issued on Friday and will remain in effect until conditions improve. According to an announcement from AFC things are expected to improve slightly on Sunday but Saturday will be especially concerning, it stated.Â
"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," said the announcement. "Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters."
Only Certified Prescribed Burn Managers will be provided with burn permits until Sunday if conditions improve. Burning without a permit is considered a Class B misdemeanor and will result in prosecution.Â
The announcement stated that in the last seven days several fires have damaged 963 acres in Wilcox County, 464 acres in Montgomery County, 505 acres in Marengo County, and more than 200 acres in Choctaw County.Â
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...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM CDT SATURDAY...
The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Red Flag
Warning, which is in effect from 7 AM to 7 PM CDT Saturday. The
Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.
* WINDS...Northeast 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent.
* IMPACTS...The combination of a dry air mass and windy
conditions will result in critical fire weather conditions.
Outdoor burning is not recommended.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
&&
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