On Friday, Sept. 22, the Alabama Forestry Commission issued a statewide Fire Alert. While under a Fire Alert, permits for outside burning will be restricted. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution.

The AFC cites current drought situations, continued lack of precipitation, and high probability of fuel ignition for the reasons for issuing the Fire Alert.

“Weather predictions for the weekend include relative humidities under 20 percent and windy conditions with 15-30 mph gusts in areas. With this extremely dry weather, any fire can spread out of control, not only resulting in damage to our forests but also threatening lives and destroying property,” the AFC said.

An incident, just before noon, Saturday, Sept. 23, involving a motorhome resulted in a large fire that caused visibility issues near Interstate 65. A portion of I65 in Limestone County was closed Saturday, due the fire. Northbound lanes of I65 were closed shortly after noon between mile markers 346 and 351 in Limestone County. Multiple fire departments responded to the blaze as well as ALEA.

This Fire Alert will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires.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 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/. The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets as well as its citizens.