Burn bans remain in effect for Mobile and Baldwin counties, and officials are urging residents not to burn storm debris as cleanup continues from Hurricane Sally.
Each year the Alabama Department of Environmental Management issues burn bans for a dozen counties, including Mobile and Baldwin, from May 1 through Oct. 31. With piles of debris along roadways and in yards, some residents have been tempted to set it on fire.
Steven Millhouse of Mobile Fire-Rescue said neighbors should talk to each other about burning or contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention if it becomes a major issue, and reserve 911 for emergencies. In Baldwin County, Barnwell Fire Chief Roy Glenn warned that downed power lines and tree debris make some areas hard for firefighters to reach, and an out-of-control fire could be life-threatening.
Officials noted that even after rain, drying debris can keep smoldering, and smoke can enter homes of people with breathing problems.