Montgomery, AL – Gov. Robert Bentley has announced that all 67 counties in the state have been placed under an emergency drought condition declaration that prohibits outdoor burning to prevent wildfires.
Bentley said Tuesday the recent dry weather conditions, lack of rain and high temperatures create risk for potential wildfires.
The no-burn order makes it illegal to set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wild lands or marshes, to build a campfire or bonfire, or to burn trash or other material that may cause a forest, grass or woods fire.
The penalty for violating the no burn order is up to a $500 fine and up to six months in jail.
The Alabama Forestry Commission says that since January, more than 1,000 wildfires have burned more than 41,000 acres in the state.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)