MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Officials said the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) and volunteer firefighters were back on the scene of the Prine Road wildfire near Citronelle in Mobile County, Friday, March 29. The AFC pilot reported two breaks on the fire containment line. Ground crews reported that the fire is once again contained.
Currently, AFC personnel and volunteer firefighters are battling a wildfire in Theodore near Interstate 10. Initial reports state this fire to be over 40 acres in size. The State Trooper Aviation Unit Alabama Department of Public Safety is assisting with suppressing this fire, and the helicopter has been requested to be on hand all weekend to assist in the region.
Officials said AFC firefighters are battling yet another large wildfire in Washington County, near Fairford Road and Little Chestang Road. According to AFC Regional Forester Gary Cole, acreage has not been estimated, but volunteer fire departments have been called in to protect threatened homes.
Authorities said due to low relative humidity, drying conditions, and the number of wildfires in the southwest part of the state, eight AFC firefighters and four fire suppression units (bulldozers) from across the state have been temporarily reassigned to the southwest region. In the last 30 days, wildfires in Baldwin and Mobile counties alone have consumed over 2,500 acres.
The AFC is urging everyone to use extreme caution with all debris burning and outdoor fires. Citizens witnessing any woods arson or suspicious activity are encouraged to call and report it to the AFC’s Wildland Arson/Forest Crimes Hotline. All information provided is confidential and the caller remains anonymous. This toll-free number is 1 (800) 222-2927.
The Alabama Forestry Commission is committed to protecting the state’s invaluable forest assets, as well as serving the citizens and landowners across Alabama. For information on protecting your home from wildfire, outdoor burning safety, or the current wildfire situation, visit the AFC website at www.forestry.alabama.gov .
http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/alabama/firefighters-continue-to-battle-flames