By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Seventeen counties in southwest Alabama remain under a fire alert. The counties were placed under the alert after Hurricane Ivan left debris scattered across that part of the state. The Alabama Forestry Commission says the counties will remain under burn restrictions until further notice. The commission is concerned not only about the fire danger, but also a lack of telephone and water service that could allow fires to get out of control. The state also is asking residents to pile their debris and wait for instructions before burning it.