Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Forestry Commission says ground moisture levels in 12 north Alabama counties have increased enough to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire.
The commission is downgrading the counties from Drought Emergency (No Burn) to Fire Alert. The counties included are Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Marion, Limestone, Lawrence, Winston, Madison, Morgan, Jackson, Marshall, and DeKalb.
Under an alert, trash and debris may be burned with caution, as may other small fires. Any fire more than a quarter-acre in size or within 25 feet of a forested area requires a permit from the Forestry Commission. Burning without a permit is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or up to a $3,000 fine.
Alabama's other 55 counties will remain under the current Drought Emergency (No Burn Order).
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