ACTION 8 UPDATE: Wildfire Danger Advisory lifted for all Alabama counties
ACTION 8 UPDATE: The Alabama Forestry Commission has lifted the Wildfire Danger Advisory statewide after the recent rainfall.
The AFC says with the rain, cooler temperatures and higher humidity, the chance of significant wildfire potential has decreased. It says that while Alabama remains in drought conditions, surface fuels that are the primary carrier of wildfire have responded well to the increase in moisture.
The AFC says it will continue to monitor the situation and will reissue an advisory if needed. All counties across the state were placed under a Fire Danger Advisory on October 30.
The AFC urges anyone conducting outdoor burning to follow safety recommendations such as not leaving a fire unattended until it is out (cold to the touch), having the necessary equipment and personnel to control the fire, and having a garden hose or other water supply on hand for smaller debris burns. The agency also recommends using extreme caution and staying aware of local weather updates because of potential windy conditions this time of year.
Any fire more than a quarter-acre in size or within 25 feet of a forested area requires a permit from the AFC. Burn permits may be obtained by calling (800) 392-5679. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.
The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets as well as its citizens. To report a wildfire, call (800) 392-5679.
Editor’s note: This article incorrectly reported a different address, 1608 60th Avenue East in Cottondale, as the source of the fire. The Tuscaloosa Thread regrets to report the error but is happy to set the record straight.
One person is dead after an explosion at a house in Cottondale early Monday morning, officials have confirmed.
The call first came in at approximately 11:07 a.m. Monday morning at 6008 17th Street East in Cottondale, Alabama. Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Chief Randy Smith said initial calls cited hearing a sound of an explosion, which could be heard up to two miles away from the scene.
TFR and Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the scene.
Smith confirmed there were three people in the same family inside the house at the time of the fire. Two individuals self-rescued as firefighters arrived, and only had minor injuries.
The third person inside the house, an adult male, did not escape and died inside.
The two others did not require transportation for additional treatment. The response to the conflagration included crews from Spire, a natural gas company formerly known as Alagasco.
Smith said that there was no threat to surrounding structures, although the walls of the house were at risk of collapse. As of publishing the fire is not completely out, but is contained. He said it took firefighters approximately 45 minutes to contain the worst of the blaze.
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