Drought emergency continues; no immediate relief in sight

As extremely dry conditions continue to plague the entire state, a total of 46 counties in north and central Alabama, including Randolph and surrounding counties, remain under a burn ban. Gov. Robert Bentley signed the Drought Emergency Declaration into effect on October 12. Often referred to as a “No Burn Order,” the declaration prohibits all outdoor burning.

“The drought creates a dangerous scenario where wildfire can quickly spread out of control, destroying forestland and threatening homes,” said interim State Forester Gary Cole. Over the last few weeks, wildland firefighters with the Alabama Forestry Commission have been busy battling such wildfires in all 67 counties of the state. The situation causes grave concern for fire officials with the agency, struggling with reduced availability of both firefighting manpower and suppression resources.

“Unfortunately there is no relief in sight,” Cole continued. “The 10-day forecast for Alabama shows almost no potential for rainfall, with above-average temperatures and lower humidity. All of these factors combined with seasonal leaf fall contribute to extremely dangerous conditions. It’s not a good outlook for our team of firefighters who are already putting in long, difficult hours in the woods trying to suppress these blazes. Since the first of October, a total of 910 wildfires have destroyed over 10,000 acres across the state. To put the seriousness of the situation in perspective, that’s almost half the number of fires for the entire 2016 calendar year.”

The danger became real in Randolph County on Sunday afternoon, with damage to a structure because of a woods fire at 356 County Rd. 672 near Rock Stand. Rock Stand Volunteer Fire Department extinguished the blaze, but not before it had damaged siding on a 2001 doublewide mobile home belonging to LaJeana Bedell. Bedell had been burning leaves.

Under the No Burn Order, it is illegal for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands, or marshes; to build a campfire or bonfire; or to burn trash, debris, or other material that may cause a forest, grass, or woods fire. The regulation also prohibits all open burning and prescribed burns. 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 and issued on an individual basis.

The Drought Emergency Declaration order will remain in effect until rescinded by the state forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires. To report persons burning in violation of this law, contact your local law enforcement. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state, visit Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.

The drought situation also affects water supplies here, with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs’ Office of Water Resources (OWR) monitoring current and anticipated conditions and reported impacts, including rainfall, stream flow, and reservoir and groundwater levels.

“Very little rainfall, above normal temperatures, and falling reservoir and groundwater levels have indicated drought conditions have become more severe in many areas, particularly in north, east and central Alabama,” said Tom Littlepage, manager of OWR’s Water Management Unit. “As water levels drop, we strongly urge public water systems and other users of large amounts of water to continue to carefully monitor conditions and implement their drought conservation plans, as needed.”

ADECA’s OWR serves as the state’s lead office for drought planning, monitoring and response activities. During dry periods, the office works with local water systems, farmers, reservoir operators and industries to encourage water conservation to mitigate negative impacts associated with declining water levels.

Part of that activity is convening regular meetings of the Drought Monitoring and Impact Group which collects and analyzes drought-related data and weather forecasts for updates Alabama drought declaration advisories and changes to Alabama’s input in the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map. The group of experts includes the state climatologist, representatives from state and federal agencies, reservoir managers, municipal water systems, industry groups and others. The group is currently meeting about every two weeks and held its latest meeting Tuesday afternoon. The group’s next meeting is set for Nov. 1.

“Drought is a slow, silent disaster that can cause water shortages and negatively affect hay, livestock and other industries,” ADECA director Jim Byard said. “With careful monitoring, we can help to mitigate some of the negative impacts. Our Office of Water Resources will continue to work with the Monitoring and Impact Group and our partners to carefully monitor data, stay in contact with local water systems and issue updated drought declarations as conditions warrant.”

As part of that effort, the drought advisories and a list of drought impacts and water restrictions throughout the state are available and updated constantly on ADECA’s website at www.adeca.alabama.gov/water.