Officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission say more than 1,000 wildfires have destroyed 11,000 acres across the state.
Governor Robert Bentley is urging citizens to be aware of the seriousness of the situation. Earlier this month, the governor signed a Drought Emergency Declaration into effect which prohibits all outdoor burning.
46 counties in northern and central Alabama remain under the burn ban. That means no one can set fire to grass, woods, have campfires or burn trash that could set areas on fire.
If convicted, the penalty for violating the No Burn Order is a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in jail.
Additionally, a ‘Fire Alert’ remains in effect for the 21 other counties in south Alabama. While under the Fire Alert, permits for outdoor burning are restricted.