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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Rain eases fire restrictions in Alabama

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Thursday, November 23, 2023   

Some Alabama residents can breathe a sigh of relief as rain showers have finally brought an end to a statewide fire ban.

The Alabama Forestry Commission lifted burn restrictions in 33 counties in the southern half of the state on Wednesday. However, Alabama is not in the clear just yet. Fire officials in the northern half of the state say 23 counties will transition from a no burn order to a less restrictive fire alert.

Rick Oates, state forester, said some unsafe conditions still exist.

"Those three factors; the drought, the humidity and the wind; it creates a big potential for fires and creates fire," Oates outlined. " Strange fire behavior that is not predictable as what we would normally encounter in a fire."

While the rainfall has brought much-needed relief for many areas, 11 counties, including Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Jefferson, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, and Talladega, still remain under the no burn order due to low moisture levels and persistent drought conditions. Oates added burn permits will only be issued to prescribed burn managers.

Since the beginning of October, Alabama has seen nearly 800 wildfires, consuming almost 8,000 acres of land. Oates pointed out each blaze firefighters gear up for puts a strain on limited resources and increases the risk for crews. With this in mind, they urged people to be cautious and follow local fire restrictions.

"Just like with a structural house fire, you know, when somebody goes in there to fight that fire, it's dangerous," Oates explained." Our guys out there in the woods fighting fires, it's a danger too. And, you know, we just ask people to really think about what they're doing and don't take any unnecessary risks."

He emphasized they have about 180 firefighters on staff and work closely with five departments across the state. The current burn restrictions will be in effect until Oates determines conditions have improved.


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