Dangerous burning conditions noted by officals

HAMILTON — With the temperatures finally warming up, citizens want to get outside and begin working in their yards. But creating a burn pile could be hazardous at this time of year for not only you, but possibly your neighbor, if sparks land on their property.
The Journal-Record asked officials to make a comment after the staff learned of several fires in the county.
Marion County Emergency Communications Director Augy Avery noted, “The week of Feb. 24 saw a large increase of wildland fires in Alabama, including Marion County.
“As of 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, Marion County E-911 had dispatched 36 wildland fire calls for the week. Several of these fires spread to vehicles and structures, damaging or destroying them.
“On Wednesday the 26th, one of these fires came dangerously close to reaching one of the county's public safety communications towers.”
Avery noted dry, windy conditions contributed to the amount of fires, and said the Alabama Forestry Commission was not issuing any burn permits on Friday, Feb. 28. Alabama law requires a burn permit for any fire one-quarter acre or larger in size.
Also commenting officially was Marion County Volunteer Firefighters Association President Jeremy Prestage.
He urged residents to avoid any burning until conditions improve. Prestage stated it was simply too dangerous with current conditions.
Alabama Forestry Commission Forestry Specialist Supervisor Joel Bartlett was reached at approximately 2 p.m. on the 28th.
Bartlett was on the site of a fire and could only hurriedly comment, “It is highly dangerous right now to start burning. We’ve had nine fires in the last two days