589 acres near Florala burn
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, October 2, 2019
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Firefighters battled a 589-acre blaze near Florala this past weekend and again on Monday.
The Alabama Forestry Commission sent wildland firefighters to fight the fire.
“The wildfire was contained (Monday) afternoon at 589 acres – pretty large,” said AFC spokesperson Elishia Ballentine “They had it contained on Saturday, but it had a few flare-ups. So, they returned (Monday). We no longer have personnel on the scene actively fighting the fire, but they will continue to monitor the situation to make sure there are no other breakouts.”
The fire began Friday and Ballentine said 11 firefighter fought the blaze and used four bull dozers to keep it contained.
A portion of Covington County is under a severe drought, while other portions are under a moderate drought or abnormally dry.
Fire officials have responded to some 182 wildfires across Alabama, including more than 2,500 acres of land in the last week.
Alabama currently is under a statewide Fire Alert, which allows the Forestry Commission to restrict the issuing of burn permits.
During a Fire Alert, permits will be issued on an individual basis at the discretion of the State Forester to certified prescribed burn managers with adequate manpower and equipment. Anyone who burns a field, grassland or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.