The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has issued a fire hazard advisory statewide, primarily due to ongoing drought conditions and a notable absence of steady rainfall across much of Alabama.

This advisory will remain in effect until the state receives sufficient rainfall to ease the severe dryness.

The AFC has noted that the combination of dry weather, elevated temperatures, and low humidity levels are creating ideal circumstances for wildfires. Without significant rainfall soon, the fire risk is expected to increase.

Officials are cautioning that even a single spark can rapidly ignite wildfires under these dry conditions, posing threats to property, natural resources, and public safety.

Moreover, the agency has indicated that debris piles could smolder for prolonged periods and might spread beyond controlled areas. Fires burning in the Duff layer—the decaying plant material beneath trees—can persist even longer, potentially leading to tree death.

Also, driving vehicles into tall grass or using equipment like bushhogs, hay balers, and mulchers may produce sparks capable of starting fires.

In light of this, the AFC is urging residents to adhere to these safety guidelines:

• Refrain from burning until conditions improve.
• If burning is necessary, make sure to get the required burn permission.
• Ensure appropriate equipment and personnel are available before starting a fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Conduct a patrol for several days post-burning to check for any reignition and to ensure containment.
• In residential areas, keep water hoses readily accessible and make sure the area is cooled completely before thoroughly soaking the debris pile.
• Avoid tall grass and refrain from operating or parking vehicles and equipment that could create sparks.

The AFC will keep monitoring the situation and may enforce further restrictions or a burn ban if drought conditions deteriorate in the coming weeks.