Governor Bentley to Offer Reward for the Arrest of Arsonist Setting Wildfires

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley  announced on Friday a $5,000 reward to be issued to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person who is responsible for setting wildfires.

Under the current Drought Emergency ‘No Burn’ Order, Section 9-13-141 of the Code of Alabama states that 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 or other material that may cause a forest, grass or woods fire.

“The extreme drought conditions are posing a real danger to Alabama wildland and property. If any person is setting a wildfire, law enforcement needs to be notified so the appropriate action can be taken,” Governor Bentley said. “The purpose of this $5,000 reward is to try to identify anyone who is deliberately setting wildfires.”

The ‘No Burn’ order will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires. To report persons burning in violation of this law, contact your local law enforcement. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state, visit Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.

Please be advised that this reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders and shall include only private citizens and shall not include members or employees of any government law enforcement agency or their relatives.

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