Alabama Wildfires: State Bans Outdoor Burning

0:00It's March 31st. You're listening to Birmingham News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Corey with The Story. Wildfires are ripping through Alabama, scorching more than 5,000 acres statewide. The biggest blaze right now in Shelby County covers an area equal to 2,500 football fields and the Alabama Forestry Commission is. On the front lines, battling it back. These fires kicked off in the last 5-7 days, with 10 of them topping 100 acres each and a few pushing 500 acres. Dry ground and strong winds are turning small sparks into massive spreads that can cover miles fast. Fire cheese like the one in Southside are sounding the alarm, saying we're teetering on drought levels with extreme dryness everywhere. That means everyday folks need to watch out, no tossing cigarettes, or starting grills without thinking twice. Prescribed burns usually help keep things in check by reducing fuel loads, but even pros are hitting paws until humidity picks up and winds die down. They say it cuts down on emergency calls when done right.

1:02For now, the state forestry folks are straight up banning all outdoor burning until we get some rain to ease these conditions, keeping everyone safer, as crews grind through containment.