Rain is a Gift to Firefighters as USDA Forest Service Lifts Fire Restrictions in Alabama’s National Forests

Firefighters debrief

Montgomery, AL (December 6, 2016) ---- The Forest Service announced today that the fire restrictions order for Alabama’s National Forests was terminated.  The much needed rain was a gift to firefighters that were battling large wildfires in the Talladega National Forest.  The fire restriction cancellation allows the public to build campfires in Forest Service recreation areas and throughout the Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega and Tuskegee National Forests.
The Forest Service has reopened National Forest System Roads (NFSR) 637 and 637B in the Talladega National Forest about 3 miles west of Cheaha State Park and Cheaha Road.  The Pinhoti National Recreation Trail and NFSRs 680 and 691 are re-open about 8 miles east of Sylacauga.  Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area is closed for the season.

According to Talladega District Ranger Gloria Nielsen, all wildfires in the Talladega National Forest, Talladega District are either contained or controlled.  “We appreciate our federal, state and volunteer firefighters who were dedicated to protecting Alabama communities from devastating wildfires,” said Nielsen. “After the recent rainfall, burnout activities and extensive mop-up operations, we are finally able to re-open closed areas.”  Forest Service officials advise all forest visitors to be careful in the national forests, particularly during high wind events, since wildfires may have burned tree roots making live or dead trees hazardous.