MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley says the statewide burn ban which has been in effect since early November is being lifted.
Bentley said in a statement Monday that Alabama Forestry Commission officials say the state has received enough rainfall over the last few days to reduce the threat of dangerous wildfires.
Bentley said the forestry commission now believes "the worst of the drought has ended."
Interim State Forester Gary Cole said that if exceptionally dry conditions return, it may be necessary to issue new fire alerts or no-burn orders in affected areas.
Wildfires this year have scorched more than 100,000 acres of forests in several states including Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.