With forecasts calling for elevated wind speeds and a dry front passage across the state, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) released a press release discouraging any outdoor burning until weather conditions improve.

The agency also pointed to dropping relative humidity and an increase in wind speed on Saturday as especially concerning.

With the anticipation of critical fire weather conditions in the coming days, AFC is issuing a Fire Danger Advisory on Friday, March 27. The potential for critical fire weather elevates on Saturday, March 28, increasing the threat issued to a Fire Alert. By Sunday, March 29, the potential for critical fire weather decreases slightly, lowering the threat issued to a Fire Danger Advisory.

According to the press release, 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.

Prescribed burn permits will be limited to only Certified Prescribed Burn Managers on Friday. Permits for outdoor burning will not be issued to anyone on Saturday. The AFC plans to resume regular permit issuing on Sunday, March 29, provided improved weather conditions.

Anyone who burns a field, grassland or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

In the last seven days, 147 wildfires have burned approximately 5,600 acres of forestland across the state.

This includes a large wildfire in Wilcox County (963 acres), one for 464 acres in Montgomery County, one for 505 acres in Marengo and four others over 200 acres in Choctaw, Covington, Etowah and Walker counties.

On Tuesday, March 24, Gulf Shores saw 40-50 acres of Gulf State Park burn in a fire ignited by a downed powerline but spread due to the wind. The fire lasted from about 2 p.m. to about 8 p.m., with hot spots and small fires still seen throughout the burn site in the following days. Over 20 agencies (with AFC being one of them) from across the county and state responded to the event.

The press release states AFC is a state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets as well as its citizens.

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.