U.S. Forest Service Orders Fire Use Restrictions in Alabama’s National Forests

U.S. Forest Service Orders Fire Use Restrictions in Alabama’s National Forests

August 29, 2011 ---- USDA Forest Service Supervisor Steve Lohr recently signed an order that prohibits the use of fire in any location of a national forest without developed recreation site. Due to the dry weather conditions, the fire use restriction will be enforced in the Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega and Tuskegee National Forests. The public is restricted from using fire or building campfires outside of designated campsites, developed campgrounds and in any location of a national forest without developed recreation sites. The closure order goes into effect from August 29 until September 31.

Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega, and Tuskegee National Forests

1. Building, maintaining, attending, using a fire or campfire (wood or charcoal), or stove fire is prohibited.
36 CFR 261.52(a)

Exemptions to this prohibition are fires that are built at a developed recreation area within the designated fire rings. Additionally, the use of gas or liquid fuel type stoves or backpacking stoves will be allowed.

2. Violating any state law concerning burning or fires which are implemented for the purpose of preventing or
restricting the spread of fires. 36 CFR 261.52(k)

3. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited.
36 CFR 261.52(f)

Persons who are exempt from the order include:

1) Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. Pursuant to 36 CFR
261.50(e),

2) Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force, in the performance of
an official duty. Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e)

Anyone found violating any of these prohibitions might face a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months or both.

For information concerning any public restrictions and closure orders, please contact a U.S. Forest Service district office before visiting: Bankhead District (205) 489-5111, Conecuh District (334) 222-2555, Shoal Creek District (256) 463-2272; Talladega District (256) 362-2909; Oakmulgee District (205) 926-9765; and the Tuskegee District (334) 727-2652.