CULLMAN, Ala. — The Alabama Forestry Commission is urging residents to avoid outdoor burning as dry conditions and increased wind speeds raise the risk of wildfires across the state heading into the weekend.
Cullman County is also under a Fire Weather Watch due to low humidity, elevated wind speeds and already dry ground conditions expected Saturday, further increasing the risk locally.
According to the AFC, a combination of low relative humidity and elevated winds is expected to create dangerous fire conditions, particularly on Saturday.
A Fire Danger Advisory is scheduled to take effect Friday, March 27, with conditions expected to worsen into a Fire Alert on Saturday, March 28.
Officials said the threat is expected to decrease slightly by Sunday, March 29, when conditions are forecast to return to a Fire Danger Advisory level.
Forestry officials warn that the current weather pattern increases the likelihood that outdoor fires could escape and spread rapidly, requiring more time and resources to contain.
Fast-moving wildfires can destroy property and forestland while also posing a direct threat to residents and firefighters.
The Alabama Forestry Commission announced that burn permits will be restricted during this period. On Friday, permits will be issued only to Certified Prescribed Burn Managers.
No burn permits will be issued for Saturday. Officials said normal permitting operations are expected to resume Sunday if weather conditions improve.
Burning without a permit remains illegal and may result in a Class B misdemeanor charge.
Statewide, wildfire activity has already increased. Over the past seven days, 147 wildfires have burned approximately 5,600 acres of forestland across Alabama.
Officials reported several large fires, including 963 acres in Wilcox County, 464 acres in Montgomery County, 505 acres in Marengo County and multiple fires exceeding 200 acres in Choctaw, Covington, Etowah and Walker counties.
The Alabama Forestry Commission encourages residents to remain vigilant and avoid activities that could spark a fire during this period of heightened risk.
Wildfires can be reported by calling 800-392-5679.
