Forest supervisor Steve Lohr signed an order that prohibits the use of fire or campfires in any location of a national forest outside of developed recreation sites.
National forest visitors also are restricted from using fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices. According to forest supervisor Steve Lohr, dry conditions and high temperatures increase the likelihood and intensity of wildfires, so the restrictions have been put in place to reduce risk.
“Wildfires do not stop at property boundaries, so we are asking the public to know the rules and help us protect Alabama communities,” Lohr said.
Forest visitors are reminded to ensure that fires built in developed recreation sites are extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving. Fireworks are not to be discharged at any developed recreation site or throughout the national forests in Alabama.
To protect the public and natural resources from the threat of wildfires, the public restrictions will remain in effect until Aug. 31 unless indicated otherwise. Anyone found violating any of these prohibitions might face a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months or both.
