The Alabama Forestry Commission has issued an immediate fire warning for Baldwin, Choctaw, Clark, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties in the Southwest region. The department said in a news release that gusty winds and low relative humidity are combining to cause dangerous wildfire outbreaks.

“High winds are expected today through Thursday, with gusts near 30 mph, making fire control extremely difficult,” said Benji Elmore, Southwest Regional Forester. “Even if there is rain over the next few days, windy conditions will remain a threat. Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests, but also threaten the lives of civilians and put firefighters at risk. I’ll put you at risk.”

Elmore said the number and size of wildfires increased over the weekend.

Over the past four days, 168 wildfires have burned approximately 6,365 acres of forest in the state, accounting for one-third of all acres burned in Alabama since October 1 (the beginning of the agency's fiscal year). It accounted for 1. More than half of that area is in southwestern counties, including a 1,210-acre wildfire in Baldwin County, a 300-acre wildfire in Washington County, a 275-acre wildfire in Escambia County, and a 275-acre wildfire in Mobile County. This includes one 240-acre wildfire and six others. Over 100 acres.

Large wildfires have broken out in other parts of the state in recent days. There was one fire of 400 acres in Sumter County, one fire of 200 acres in Chambers County, one fire of 165 acres in Randolph County, and two fires of more than 100 acres in Butler and Russell counties. A 100-acre fire burned in Winston County.

“Over the past 30 days, 327 wildfires have burned approximately 8,394 acres across the state,” Elmore said.

Permits for outdoor burning in these designated counties are limited to certified and prescribed burn managers, Elmore said.

“Anyone who burns fields, grasslands or forests without a burn permit may be charged with committing a Class B misdemeanor,” he said.

Officials recommend that anyone planning a licensed bonfire in other parts of the state take extreme caution due to strong winds and keep up-to-date with local weather information.