The Alabama Forestry Commission is urging people to use extreme caution with outdoor fires during dry weather Dry weather and high winds in March can quickly fan flames and push a fire out of your control
Alabama commission reports increase in wildfires By Madison Scarpino | March 10, 2021 at 5:46 PM CST - Updated March 10 at 5:47 PM
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - Wildlife experts and landowners are taking advantage of the crisp, sunny weather to burn debris and thin out forests.
But, high winds in March can quickly fan flames and push a fire out of your control.
Since January, state officials have monitored 361 wildfires. 147 of them have happened since March 5.
Alabama is in the grips of an increased state-wide wildfire risk, and conditions aren t expected to improve over the next four weeks.
Alabama Forestry Commission data shows that for the period on Jan. 1 through Wednesday, there have been 398 wildfires burning about 8,000 acres. But the numbers for the last week are telling; 184 wildfires that have blackened about 4,900 acres.
Weather conditions and the calendar are to blame, said Cole Sikes, a spokesman for the state s forestry commission. Lower humidity coupled with high winds and a burgeoning drought are making the woodland s tinder box dry. And, spring green up is still weeks away.