MONTGOMERY, Alabama (WSFA) – Drought conditions are causing an increase in wildfires across Alabama, putting a huge strain on firefighters.
Last month, the Alabama Forestry Commission recorded 116 fires that burned more than 850 acres of land, but 68 of those fires and 680 of those acres of land occurred in the last week.
Anyone who notices even a small fire is asked to report it as soon as possible.
“We’d rather get a call early, go out and put out a small fire with a fire extinguisher or a water can before it gets big and we have to call multiple firefighters and make the problem even bigger,” said Sergeant Jason Cupps of the Prattville Fire Department.
The number of grass fires in Prattville has increased. Many of them were caused by careless behavior.
“Most of these incidents, if not all, are easily preventable,” Cupps said. “If you are a smoker, please be cautious and be aware of when you dispose of your smoking accessories.”
Sometimes the culprit can be something you wouldn’t think of.
“A car drives down the road, a chain drags across the road and throws sparks. Once it’s dry enough, those sparks can start a fire,” said Balsie Butler of the Alabama Forestry Commission.
Butler recommends obtaining any necessary permits to burn and taking measures such as installing a control line to ensure safety during burning.
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