For Immediate Release
USDA
Forest Service Implements Controlled Burns in Alabama’s National Forests
(Montgomery, Al) January 19, 2017 ---- USDA Forest Service federal
fire specialists will intentionally conduct controlled burns on approximately 91,500 acres of the Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega and
Tuskegee National Forests during the next six months. The land management plan
requires the Forest Service to use prescribed fire as a management tool to
improve forest health. The controlled burn or “good fire” is carefully planned
to provide many benefits for wildlife and reduces the accumulation of forest
undergrowth that can become a wildfire threat if untreated.
Controlled burns take place
annually only if weather conditions are favorable. During this time, the public
may see smoke, additional Forest Service personnel and equipment near project
areas. The Forest Service is asking the
public to use their low beam lights and watch out for uniformed Forest Service
personnel. At times, visibility may be reduced because of smoke settling at
night in low lying areas.
Maps that highlight controlled
burn areas can be viewed on our website at www.fs.usda.gov/alabama under the
Know Before You Go section. If you have questions about the following
prescribed burns, contact a Forest Service district office:
•Bankhead
Forest is planning to burn 15,000 acres in Winston and Lawrence Counties, call
the office at (205) 489-5111.
•
Conecuh Forest is planning to burn 20,000 acres in Escambia and Covington Counties,
call (334)
222-2555.
•Talladega
Forest- Talladega and Shoal Creek Districts are planning to burn 35,000 acres
in Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne and Talladega Counties, call the Heflin office at
(256) 463-2272 or the Talladega office at (256) 362-2909.
•Talladega
Forest - Oakmulgee District is planning to burn 20,000 acres in Bibb, Dallas,
Perry, Tuscaloosa, Hale and Chilton Counties, call (205) 926-9765.
•Tuskegee
Forest is planning to burn 1,500 acres in Macon County, call (334)
727-2652.
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