Forestry commission urges firework safety

Picnics, barbecues and outdoor fun are an important part of Independence Day celebrations for many Alabama families. However, for those who plan to celebrate with cookouts and fireworks, the Alabama Forestry Commission encourages extra safety precautions due to the dry conditions across the state. All outdoor fires should be monitored until burning is complete and properly extinguished before leaving them.

“With persisting dry conditions throughout Alabama, we’re issuing a fuels advisory for most counties. Grasses and timber litter have dried to the extent that fires start easily and can grow quickly,” State Forester Rick Oates said. “Despite some areas receiving rain recently, the excessive heat will negate any beneficial rainfall. According to the most recent Drought Monitor, much of the state is now classified as Abnormally Dry (D0) with a few areas listed as Moderate Drought (D1).” O