Full Notification

(Etowah County, AL) The declaration concerning the emergency drought condition, as signed by Governor Robert Bentley, in effect since October 12th, is still ongoing and will remain until rescinded by the State Forester.

Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin wants to remind everyone that any prescribed burns, campfires, bonfires, trash or debris fires, or any other open burning is strictly forbidden. Deputies have been responding to no less than five fire calls per day.

“Citations are being issued by deputies to anyone who violates this order,” Sheriff Entrekin said. “Fines are not less than $250 and may carry a jail sentence of up to six months.”

For the first offense, where an illegal fire does not cross the property owner’s boundaries, a written warning is given. For the second offense, or when the fire crosses property lines, a citation is issued.
Additionally, individuals in violation of the no burn order will be liable for damages to other’s property and any costs related to an illegal fire.

Sheriff Entrekin added, “We need people to understand that the no burn order exists and to strictly abide by it for their safety and the safety of others. Just because we have received a little rain does not mean that drought conditions were lifted.”

Since the burning ban has been in effect, more than one-hundred fires have been reported county-wide.

“Our local fire departments have done an outstanding job responding to and extinguishing these fires,” Sheriff Entrekin said. “Their quick action has eliminated these wild fires from spreading and causing extensive damage.”

For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state, visit Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.

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