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Fire officials have placed a burn ban within the city limits of Atmore because of drought conditions.

Fire Chief Ronald Peebles said Tuesday morning that the fire department will be enforcing the ban until further notice.

Peebles said the city needs two days of soaking rain for the ban to be lifted, not afternoon showers.

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) on Monday issued a fire danger advisory for all 67 Alabama counties effective immediately until rainfall is received. Current drought conditions and persistent high temperatures have combined to create a high probability of fuel ignition and an atmosphere favorable for wildfires.

In the last 30 days, AFC wildland firefighters have battled 192 wildfires burning approximately 2,221 acres of land across the state. This number includes three fires that were over 100 acres in Bullock, Choctaw, and Wilcox counties, as well as one that was approximately 500 acres in Mobile County.

Although the state is not under any type of burn restriction, the Commission urges everyone to delay outdoor burning until conditions improve if possible. While under the fire danger advisory, all necessary safety precautions should be exercised when doing any type burning. As always, call the Alabama Forestry Commission for a burn permit.