The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is making sure Alabamians and visitors from out of state know that absolutely no burning of any kind will be tolerated in Alabama’s State Parks or on public hunting lands and Forever Wild Land Trust tracts.
This news comes after Gov. Kay Ivey issued a Drought Emergency Declaration on Wednesday.
“We are taking this burn ban very seriously and encourage everyone who visits an Alabama State Park, public hunting area or Forever Wild tract to do so as well,” said Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship. “Please follow the statewide No Burn Order and enjoy your outdoor recreation responsibly during these extremely dry conditions.”
Alabama’s gun deer season opens Nov. 18 in most of the state. To lower the risk of accidentally starting a wildfire this hunting season the department said that hunters can do the following:
- Avoid parking in tall dry grass. Vehicle exhaust pipes can potentially ignite the grass.
- Be mindful of any sparks generated when discharging a firearm.
- Do not discard cigarette butts from a vehicle window or near any potential fire source.
- When hauling a trailer avoid dragging chains. Sparks generated against the pavement can ignite grass along the roadway.
- If possible, carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle.
Gas cook stoves will still be permitted in State Parks during the burn ban.
A statewide Fire Alert was put out Oct. 24. Since that time, firefighters with the Alabama Forestry Commission have responded to 352 wildfires that have burned 3,199 acres throughout Alabama.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
