The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has announced an annual warm-weather open-burning ban in 12 counties as part of an air quality improvement effort. The ban, which runs from May 1 to October 31 each year, is designed to help prevent the formation of ground-level ozone and the generation of fine particulate matter during warm weather months. In the affected counties, open burning of wood, tree trimmings, brush and debris from land clearing, construction, and demolition is prohibited.
In announcing the ban, ADEM reminded the public that state law allows only burning of vegetation and untreated wood and that burning other items like plastics, garbage, and treated wood is prohibited. The agency also noted that the state forestry commission may implement other burning bans to reduce wildfire dangers during dry periods.
