The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is taking extra precautions at five state parks due to dry conditions.
Several southern counties are in abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions.
To prevent fires, the ADCNR is asking visitors of Gulf, Meaher, Bladon Springs, Roland Cooper and Frank Jackson state parks to avoid having campfires outside designated day-use picnic areas, campgrounds or developed recreational areas. They also want visitors to be cautious when using grills. These precautions are in place through the Labor Day weekend.
“As park guests plan for the upcoming Labor Day holiday, we ask that they keep the recent hot and dry conditions in mind when it comes to campfires and grilling,” said Greg Lein, director of ADCNR’s State Parks Division. “Those conditions have increased the risk for wildfires at state parks in south Alabama. We encourage park visitors and overnight guests to be very cautious with campfires and grills during this period until we get some much-needed rain and the temperatures moderate.”
Other precautions visitors are asked to take include the following:
Do not use barbecue grills or gas stoves in areas that can scorch, burn or damage lawns or picnic tables.
Place barbecue grills a minimum of 15 feet away from any flammable material such as grass, weeds, wood chips, brush or park facilities.
Do not leave a campfire or grill unattended.
Completely extinguish all burning fuel, such as wood or charcoal, before disposing of it in an existing fireplace, fire pit or barbecue grill.
Each park will post updates on social media concerning restrictions and any additional precautions.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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