Governor Bentley Addresses Importance of Drought Emergency Declaration, Urging Residents to be Cautious

By: Jake Jacobs, Aide-de-Camp & Public Affairs Specialist

DORA (Governor’s Office) – Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday toured the site of a recent wildfire near the Walker and Jefferson county line, just south of Dora. The Governor joined Alabama Forestry Commission Interim State Forester Gary Cole and Assistant State Forester Dan Jackson to stress the importance of adherence to the Drought Emergency Declaration signed on October 12.

Since October 1, 2016, 987 wildfires have destroyed more than 10,730 acres in Alabama, more than four times the amount that occurred during the same time period in 2015. During this time period, 73 percent of wildfires have been caused by human error and 24 percent have been caused by arson. At least eight occupied structures have been lost, and five damaged, 34 vehicles have been destroyed, and another 15 damaged, and 489 bales of hay have been destroyed.

“It is vital for citizens to adhere to this burn ban and remain vigilant as we experience widespread drought conditions throughout the state,” Governor Bentley said. “We need people to realize that the amount of wildfires we have experienced this month is a real danger to people, homes, infrastructure, crops, wildlife and many other important resources in our state.”

The Drought Emergency Declaration often referred to as a “No Burn Order” covers 46 Alabama counties and prohibits all outdoor burning. All counties not included under the Drought Emergency Declaration are currently under a Fire Alert issued by the Alabama Forestry Commission. In addition, the Governor has authorized the Alabama Forestry Commission to utilize the Emergency Forest Fire Fund to help support local fire departments struggling to contain wildfires in their areas.

According to the Alabama Forestry Commission, under the No Burn Order, it is illegal for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands, or marshes; to build a campfire or bonfire; or to burn trash, debris, or other material that may cause a forest, grass, or woods fire. The regulation also prohibits all open burning and prescribed burns. If convicted, the penalty for violating the No Burn Order is a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in jail. To report persons burning in violation of this law, contact your local law enforcement.

“Conditions are already so dry that the threat of wildfire is dangerously high,” Interim State Forester Gary Cole said. “With the continued lack of rainfall, we are depending on citizens complying with the ‘no burn’ order.”

For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state, visit Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.

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