Due to an increased amount of wildfires that have already destroyed more than 3,000 acres in a little over two weeks, Gov. Kay Ivey has issued a statewide No Burn Order. The order effectively bans all outdoor burning within the state for the foreseeable future.

“Alabama is currently experiencing extremely dry conditions, which greatly increases the potential for dangerous wildfire activity,” said Ivey. “State Forester Rick Oates and his team have been working around-the-clock to keep our forests safe and fires contained, and I commend them for their efforts to protect Alabamians, our homes and our wildlife.

“This declaration is meant to prevent unnecessary burning, reducing the chance of avoidable fires. I urge Alabamians to heed this warning.”

Oates discussed the need for Ivey’s order.

“These burning restrictions are a necessary result of the ongoing lack of precipitation and high probability of fuel ignition,” said Oates. “During the last month, we’ve seen an increase not only in the number of wildfires, but also in the size of those fires. With this prolonged drought, conditions are such that any outdoor fire can rapidly spread out of control, taking longer – and more firefighting resources – to contain and ultimately control. ”

“Even though we are predicted to get a small amount of rain this weekend, it will not be enough to lessen the wildfire danger.”

Since the statewide Fire Alert was issued on Oct. 24, Alabama Forestry Commission firefighters have responded to 352 wildfires that have burned 3,199 acres across the state.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.