Relentless rising temperatures have sparked a concern with the Alabama Forestry Commission.
“We have been warned it’s going to be an extremely hot summer,” said Huey Jones, Alabama Forestry Commission forestry specialist for Henry County. “With scorching temperatures, we could also see an increase in wildfires.”
The rain received last week removed portions of the Wiregrass area from the drought stage for now, Jones said.
“As long as we see the afternoon stray showers, the drought percentage will hopefully stay low, decreasing the chance of wildfires, but this could change at any time,” Jones said. “If there is a lack of rain and the winds increase, the potential for wildfires will increase.
Henry County has reported two wildfires in the last 30 days, with one reportedly caused by equipment catching fire, igniting a grass fire.
That fire was contained to two acres and was safely extinguished with no drastic measures, Jones said.
He warns residents about the danger of burning debris.