Alabama's Wildfire Risk: Stay Safe, Stay Smart

0:00Dry and breezy spring weather across Alabama is turning into prime fire danger territory, especially around center point. Fire crews there just knock down a brush fire sparked when a tree crashed into power lines on turkey creek road. Chief Brandon Dalen warns the warm temps are drying out grass and brush fast, so all it takes is one spark for things to blow up quick. Over the last couple months, the Alabama Forestry Commission has tracked more than 330 wildfire statewide, scorching over 6,000 acres. That's a sharp jump, showing how fast these flames can spread under current conditions. Locals might feel tempted by the nice weather to burn yard debris or light a campfire, but firefighters are urging everyone to hold off. Innocent activities can turn into major headaches, with winds fanning small blazes into monsters that tie up crews for hours. Right now, an open burning band runs from April through October in Jefferson County to protect air quality, no brush, wood, or trash fires allowed.

1:00The rest of the year, you need a permit from the county health department first. Stay smart out there, keep those ladders pocketed, and let's dodge the smoke before it chokes us all. Birmingham News today, powered by AI bringing you what matters. I'm Corey with the story.