US Forest Service to conduct prescribed in Alabama’s four national forests
Published: Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 7:15 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 7:15 p.m.
U.S. Forest Service fire specialists will conduct prescribed burns on around 115,000 acres throughout Alabama's four national forests—Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega, and Tuskegee during the next six months.
A prescribed fire, also known as a controlled burn, can improve the plant and animal habitat as well as the forest's overall forest health, according to the forest service. A healthy forest is better equipped to withstand natural disturbances such as drought, insects and diseases.
The controlled burns also aim to reduce the build-up of hazardous fuels that could feed wildfires.
Anyone living near the national forest may see smoke columns, reduced visibility in low-lying areas and additional traffic along forest service roads during the fires.
Drivers are asked to use low-beam lights if they encounter smoke on the road.
Talladega National Forest-Oakmulgee District plans to burn 23,000 acres in Bibb, Dallas, Perry, Tuscaloosa, Hale, and Chilton counties.
Maps that highlight prescribed fire areas can viewed online atwww.fs.usda.gov/alabama.
Call 205-926-9765 for more information.
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