Wildfires burn across Alabama
Alabama is grappling with severe wildfires, having burned over 6,000 acres in the past week, as reported by the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC). A Wildfire Advisory is active due to low humidity, strong winds, and a lack of rain, resulting in restricted burn permits. Violating these restrictions can lead to prosecution. After a network outage disrupted AFC’s data tracking, they reported a surge of wildfire incidents—140 fires in the last week compared to only 20 calls in the first half of February.
On Saturday, AFC firefighters tackled at least 96 wildfires; as of the latest reports, approximately 134 fires have been recorded statewide, with nearly half attributed to permitted burns that expanded uncontrollably. Prominent incidents include a 100-acre blaze in McClellan Forestry, requiring coordinated efforts to protect neighboring structures, and multiple fires ignited by downed power lines across various counties. Fortunately, improvements in conditions due to recent rain have alleviated some threats.
Authorities advise the public to remain vigilant, maintain home safety, and plan evacuation routes. As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to stay informed through resources like the WVTM 13 app. The AFC continues to monitor and respond to these emergencies, aiming to manage the ongoing crisis effectively.
Read the complete article here: https://www.wvtm13.com/article/alabama-wildfires-updates/64014713
