Nine out of every ten wildfires in Cullman County are caused by people, according to local forestry officials. "Woods arson and debris burning are the leading causes of wildfire in this area," said Jason Dockery, county forester for the Alabama Forestry Commission.

Accidentally caused fires are usually the result of inexperience with fire, lack of knowledge of the law, failure to prepare properly, and not paying attention to the fire.

State law requires that you get a permit before you burn any woodland, grassland, field or new ground that is over 1/4 acre in size, or lies within 25 feet of natural fuels, such as woods or grass. This law is designed to ensure that outdoor burning is conducted safely and to prevent the spread of careless wildfire. Also, burning household trash and garbage is a violation of the public health law.

The Alabama Forestry Commission officers enforce this law. Violations can result in a fine of up to $1,000.00 and/or up to 6 months in jail.

Laws regarding littering from a vehicle or illegally dumping garbage or trash are also enforced by the Commission because litter feeds wildfires. "Household trash and other litter dumped in wooded areas are the source of many of our wildfires each year. People will often intentionally set fire to these dumps, which in turn sets the forest on fire. Also, a wildfire that burns into an illegal dump will have a ready source of fuel to help the fire continue to burn," Dockery said. Illegal dumpsites are also reported to the local health department for further action against violators.

Wildfires cause thousands of dollars in damage each year, and threaten lives, homes and businesses. Forestry Commission officers may charge responsible parties the cost of suppressing the fire as well as issue tickets for violating the law.

The Forestry Commission offers the following reminder of forestry laws related to wildfires and the subsequent fines:

INCENDIARY FIRES: Willfully setting fire to lands of another is a Class C Felony, punishable by fines up to $5,000.00 and up to ten years in prison.

BURNING LAWS: Failure to obey outdoor burning laws is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000.00 and six months in prison. Outdoor burning laws include, but are not limited to, burning without a burn permit, burning without proper precaution, failing to extinguish a fire once started, and allowing fire to escape onto the land of another person. Suppression Charges can be collected for putting out any uncontrolled fire if the landowner or responsible party fails to follow the burning laws. The charges are based on the equipment and man-hours used, and mileage to and from the fire.

CRIMINAL LITTERING, DUMPING AND HIGHWAY LITTERING: Class C misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $500.00 and three months in jail. Criminal littering has a minimum fine of $100.00.

If you are going to burn outdoors, remember some basic safety guidelines:

• Do not burn on windy days.
• Burn late in the day when humidity is higher.
• Keep water, a shovel and rakes handy.
• Never leave fire unattended, no matter how small.
• Obtain a burn permit before burning.

Forestry officials are available to investigate all wildfires. They work closely with local volunteer fire departments in protecting the lives and property of our citizens, and with local law enforcement to enforce the law. If you need to report a wildfire or need a burning permit, contact the Forestry Commission at 1-800-292-6653. If you need more information on the burning laws or need help obtaining the proper information for a permit, call the local Alabama Forestry Commission office at 734-0573.