With natural conditions ripe for wildfires — gusty winds, dropping relative humidity, dry conditions — the Alabama Forestry Commission is suggesting a common sense approach to outdoor burning until Mother Nature better cooperates. That advice: Don’t do it.

Current conditions have prompted a noticeable increase in the number of wildfires in the past week. That number included more than 60 on one day, Wednesday, alone. In the last seven days, 130 wildfires have burned approximately 3,000 acres of forestland across the state. This includes two large wildfires in Calhoun County (a 550-acre and a 207-acre with two structures lost), one for 253 acres in Lowndes County, and three others covering more than 100 acres in Perry, Pike, and St. Clair counties.

According to the AFC, in addition to already dry conditions, strong winds and low relative humidities combine to create dangerous wildfire behavior. The combination of these conditions creates a greater-than-average potential for outdoor fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer — and more of the agency’s firefighting resources — to contain and ultimately control. Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters.

Permits for outdoor burning will not be issued by the agency for this weekend. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

Be aware of these conditions, Limestone County, and be smart about outdoor burning.

To report a wildfire, call (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.