A burn ban issued for the City of Atmore last week remains in effect, Fire Chief Gerry McGhee said Monday afternoon.

McGhee issued the ban on Sept. 13 after weeks of no substantial rain. He added that it would not be lifted until the city receives a good soaking.

“The weather is so dry right now there is a lot of danger when it comes to fires,” McGhee said.

McGhee said residents should avoid burning any materials in open spaces in yards and fields in the area.

“Leaves are starting to fall and people will want to burn their leaves in the yard,” McGhee said. “Since everything is so dry it would be easy for a fire to quickly get out of hand. That’s why we believe it is important to have this ban on burning in place in the city.”

In addition, state forestry officials are encouraging Alabama residents to be careful about burning because of the continuing dry weather across the state.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report shows much of Alabama is under abnormally dry or drought conditions. Escambia County is in the “abnormally dry” range.

“At this time, the Alabama Forestry Commission has not issued any restricted burning orders for the state. However, we urge everyone to use extreme caution with all debris burning and outdoor fire, including campfires,” said State Forester Linda Casey. “The little amount of rain we’ve received this summer and existing dry conditions could potentially contribute to extremely hazardous wildfire behavior.”

In the last seven days, there have been 121 wildfires burning over 1,200 Alabama acres. For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit the AFC website at www.forestry.alabama.gov/fire_totals.aspx

It is an Alabama state law to obtain a burn permit before you burn any woodland, grassland, field, or wood debris greater than ¼ acre or within 25 feet of flammable material. Be sure to clear down to mineral soil around the area to be burned. Have enough tools, equipment, and manpower to effectively control your fire. Once started, stay with the fire until it is completely out. To obtain a burn permit, call 1-800-242-2504.