After the state being thoroughly saturated with a good bit of rain, Gov. Robert Bentley and Linda Casey, state forester of Alabama, have rescinded the Drought Emergency (No Burn) Order for three coastal counties and has lifted the Fire Alert for the other 64 counties.

Officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) said, “the state has received enough rain over the last couple of weeks to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire.”

The AFC urges everyone planning on burning material outside to adhere to local laws regarding what material can and cannot be burned, as well as to follow any and all safety precautions.

Burning without a permit is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.

Burn permits may be obtained by calling 1-800-392-5679.

The AFC is the state agency charged with protecting and sustaining Alabama’s forest resources. To learn more about the services provided by the agency, visit www.forestry.alabama.gov.