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A Burning permit, 9-13-11
of the 1975 Code of Alabama, is required for all forestry and agricultural
burns. In general, the permit means the burner has the manpower and equipment to
control the fire and agrees to stay with the fire until it is out. Burning permits
may be obtained by calling the Alabama Forestry Commission. Even though the burner
has a permit, he/she is still responsible for any damage to others that may be caused by
the fire or smoke. Alabama has a Certified Burner Law
designed to reduce burner liability. Even though the law
requires a permit for all "wood & field" fires, the AFC has administratively
exempted fires smaller than 1/4 acre if it is more than 25 feet from a forested
area. However, the burner is still responsible for the fire.
Upon requesting a permit, the burner will be asked about the
burn. The approximate size will be needed along with what is to be burned, i.e.
grassland/fields/forests, and the general purpose of the burn such as fire hazard
reduction, regeneration, wildfire benefit, etc. The burn must not contain material
such as vehicle tires, construction material, household garbage or other material
prohibited by ADEM (Alabama Department of Environmental management)
There are some County and City Laws that also restrict outdoor
burning. Burners are responsible for contacting their local government for
additional information.
The permit may be canceled by the AFC for failure to comply with the
terms of the permit, weather condition change which cause erratic and dangerous fire
behavior, or if the burn produces smoke which becomes a hazard to others or contributes to
a degradation of air quality. |
