Residents of Cherokee County have been wondering if they should hold up on burning their leaves or limbs, unsure of the exact definition of a “Fire Alert” – the classification which was recently issued by the Alabama Forestry Commission.  Matt Woodfin, with the local division of the Forestry Commission, stopped by the WEIS Radio studio Monday morning to address the issue:

This burning restriction is being issued because of the current drought situation, continued lack of precipitation, and high probability of fuel ignition.  Anyone that burns – including fields, grassland, or woodland, whatever the case – without a burn permit, may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

With this extremely dry weather, conditions are such that any fire can quickly spread out of control – destroying property and more importantly, threatening lives.

For more information call the Alabama Forestry Commission locally at – (256) 563-0021 or (256) 459-1000 or visit them on-line at www.forestry.alabama.gov