Officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) say recent rains and higher humidity have increased ground moisture levels in 34 north Alabama counties, reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfire and justifying the downgrading of these counties from Drought Emergency (No Burn) to Fire Alert.

However, despite recent thunderstorms locally, Marengo County remains under a No Burn Order.

Pursuant to this emergency rule, it shall be unlawful for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes; to build a campfire or bonfire; or to burn trash or other material that may cause a forest, grass, or woods fire, until said declaration is lifted.