Twelve Alabama counties are now under a burn ban that will last until October 31st, according to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
The ban, designed to protect air quality, includes Baldwin, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Shelby, Russell, and Talladega counties.
Officials said some agricultural and silvicultural burning is allowed in these counties but requires prior approval from ADEM and the Alabama Forestry Commission.
Unless prohibited for drought and safety reasons, the burn ban does not prohibit the use of outdoor fireplaces and campfires. It does prohibit the open burning of wood, tree trimmings, brush and debris generated by land clearing and construction activities, all in an effort to reduce the formation of ground-level ozone.
Instead of open burning, ADEM suggests composting yard waste and using leaves, straw, and grass clippings for mulch.
If you have any questions, contact the ADEM Air Division at 334- 271-7879 or 334-271-7897.