Aroney Fire Department

11/08/2023

F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E
8 November 2023

Governor Ivey Prohibits Burning Statewide

Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued a statewide ‘No Burn Order.’ Today, she signed a statewide Drought Emergency Declaration which prohibits all outdoor burning in Alabama. This order is effective November 9, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. Central Standard Time.
“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,” said Governor Ivey. “This declaration is meant to prevent unnecessary burning, reducing the chance of avoidable fires. I urge Alabamians to heed this warning.”
Since the statewide Fire Alert was issued on October 24, AFC firefighters have responded to 352 wildfires that have burned 3,199 acres across the state.
“These burning restrictions are a necessary result of the ongoing lack of precipitation and high probability of fuel ignition,” said State Forester Rick Oates. “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.”
The Drought Emergency Declaration order will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires. To report persons burning in violation of this law, contact your local law enforcement. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state, visit Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.

11/04/2023

DO NOT BURN ANYTHING PLEASE!!!!

Prevent wildfires, don’t start fires during these dry conditions.

Alabama Forestry Commission issues Fire Alert for all 67 counties in Alabama. https://www.forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/News/2023/FireAlertReinstated.aspx

10/25/2023

10/14/2023

Update on Fire Alert for Alabama --
While forestry officials have rescinded the Fire Alert in 35 counties in the southern half of the state, the small amount of rain received in the last few days has not been enough to end drought conditions or wildfire danger in northern portions of the state. A Fire Alert remains in effect for 32 northern counties. Burn permits will be available to certified prescribed burn managers in those counties with the exception of DeKalb, Jackson, and Marshall. (See attached map for details.)

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) issued the burn restriction on September 22 because of the current drought situation, continued lack of precipitation, and high probability of fuel ignition. Since October is historically the state's driest month, drought conditions are expected to worsen.

The Forestry Commission is encouraging the public to exercise the utmost vigilance when conducting outdoor burns of any kind. To report a wildfire, call the Alabama Forestry Commission at (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/Pages/Fire/Totals.aspx The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets as well as its citizens.