The Drought Emergency Declaration “No Burn” order issued on August 16 for 59 Alabama counties has been downgraded to a Fire Alert effective immediately.

Officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission say rain the state has received over the past few days has been enough to reduce the threat of wildfire.

All 67 counties will remain under Fire Alert until lifted by State Forester Linda Casey.

Under the Fire Alert, the Alabama Forestry Commission will restrict issuing permits for outdoor burning. Any fire of more than a quarter-acre requires a permit from the Forestry Commission.

The lifting of the Drought Emergency does not remove the open burn restriction issued by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) for 12 Alabama counties.

Those counties include: Baldwin, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Russell, Shelby, and Talladega.

This annual program lasts from May 1 through Oct. 31 of each year and is done to help air quality in these counties during summer months. Because of these restrictions, the Alabama Forestry Commission will not issue permits for miscellaneous burns in these counties.

The State Forester reminds everyone that the state is still experiencing abnormally dry conditions and to use all necessary safety precautions when doing any type of burning.

The Commission will continue to monitor ground moisture levels throughout the state. If ground fuels become exceptionally dry again, it may become necessary to re-issue a No Burn order in affected areas.

For more information contact any Alabama Forestry Commission office.