By Alison McFerrin

The Selma Times-Journal

At long last, citizens can return to outdoor burning with the lifting of the Drought Emergency (no-burn) Order and all fire alerts throughout the state.

“We wanted to make sure we had sufficient enough rainfall before we lifted it,” Alabama Forestry Commission fire operations chief Balsie Butler said. “We still urge the citizens to use extreme caution while burning.”

While the state has received enough rain over the last few weeks to reduce the threat of wildfire, people should still be careful when setting a blaze.

The state is well in the clear right now, but Butler said that doesn’t mean another burn ban or fire alert couldn’t be issued later in the summer, if necessary.

“There are a number of factors that play into us getting it,” Butler said, adding those include humidity, rainfall and fire occurrence.

Dallas and Perry counties have seen seven wildfires during the past 30 days, which burned ten acres of land, according to the AFC website.

Even though people are now cleared to burn, there are still restrictions that must be followed.

Any fire more than a quarter acre in size or within 25 feet of a forested area requires a burn permit from the AFC. Burning without a permit is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or up to a $3,000 fine.

Additionally, fires should not be left unattended, and people should make sure they have the right safety equipment, like a hose or other water supply and other means to control the fire.