Brush Fire Battles Begin
-->By: Kadie Crowell
Updated: March 19, 2013
The Spring-like weather has many people working in their
yards, but when it comes to outdoor burning the high winds and low humidity
make for a dangerous combination. The Alabama Forestry Commission responded to
93 brush fires statewide, Saturday alone.
Houston County Forester Jerry Smith said
many brush
fires could be prevented. "The majority of the fires we respond to are caused by man. Until
the grasses start getting green and we get more rain we will continue to have
fires and see those number of fires increase," explained Smith.
This time of year marks the beginning of brush fire season,
a time that can be detrimental for the Wiregrass. Registered
Forester Brian Agnew advises to try and avoid burning on windy
days and seeing rain in the forecast doesn't necessarily
put you in the clear.
"A lot of folks think after a rain they are free to burn anything they want to, thinking the material around the soil is wet enough that it won't catch fire, but it's very common after the rain that the next day the humidity will drop and grass will be available to burn and can turn into a wildfire very easily," continued Agnew.
If you plan on burning more than a quarter of an
acre the state of Alabama requires you to get a burn permit. You can do that by calling 1-800-392-5679.
Experts
also advise burning in a confined area, staying
with the fire until it's cold and to always have a water hose handy.
