Firefighters, Alabama Forestry crews battle wildfires during dry, windy conditions

CHELSEA, Ala. (WBRC) – The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for elements of Alabama on Monday due to dry, windy conditions – climate that helps wildfires unfold.

Chelsea Fire and Rescue experiences {that a} wildfire began Sunday round Highway 11 and Oak Mountain State Park.

Chelsea Fire, Cahaba Valley Fire, and Alabama Forestry crews all responded.

On Monday, firefighters informed WBRC greater than 80 acres had been burned after the hearth reignited.

“These fires aren’t like houses,” mentioned Captain Joshua Rossetti. “They’re wind driven. You can’t put water on these fires because these just so much land that we just don’t have that ability.”

Captain Rossetti tells WBRC the reason for the hearth is underneath investigation however it’s now contained.

“The area’s safe,” Rossetti mentioned. “You’ll see low lying smoke.”

However, the conditions are nonetheless dry, and he doesn’t need one other fireplace popping up.

He mentioned the climate proper now’s prime for it.

“The humidity’s really low,” he added. “We are in a mild drought condition, and the winds are really high.”

Windy climate can unfold embers.

During wildfires like this one, the Alabama Forestry Commission brings in bulldozers to create firebreaks.

“Dead leaves, grass, all those things are fuel for the fire,” mentioned Balsie Butler with the Alabama Forestry Commission. “We’re removing that fuel from the forest floor.”

While crews work to maintain the neighborhood secure, specialists strongly urge individuals to keep away from burning during this time.

However, if Alabamians are going to burn anyhow, they need them to be good about it.

“If you have to burn, just make sure you extra personnel onsite, extra equipment on site,” Butler mentioned.

“Always monitor your fires,” Rossetti mentioned. “Try to have a water source nearby to extinguish it if it extends, and if you even think it’s going to get out of control, call us.”

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