Alabama Governor and Forestry Commission Burn Ban Authority

Alabama Code Sections 9-13-11 and 9-13-13 grant the State Forester and Governor authority to issue fire alerts, no-burn advisories, and drought emergency declarations covering specified counties or the entire state. When a drought emergency is declared, all open burning is prohibited regardless of permits previously issued, and counties identified as having severe wildfire risk fall under enhanced enforcement. The Alabama Forestry Commission monitors Keetch-Byram Drought Index values and may suspend permit issuance during elevated fire danger. These declarations supersede municipal authority to allow burning.

Violating a state-declared burn ban during a drought emergency is a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 plus liability for suppression costs, civil damages, and potential felony charges if a wildfire results.