April 6, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2006-18) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org DRY CONDITIONS STILL A THREAT Since the Alabama State Forestry Commission initiated the Burn Ban in Mobile County there seems to have been a dramatic increase in woods/brush fires in Mobile Fire-Rescue Department's response area. The department has responded to approximately 40 woods/grass/trash fires since Saturday, April 1st. The department typically responds to 2-3 woods/grass/trash fires a day on average. Those responses have increased to an average of 6-7 per day. Wednesday, April 5th was the busiest day with approximately one dozen fires. While some of these fires appear to have been intentionally set, most aren't and it appears that the ban is not being adhered to, particularly in this dry and hazardous period. Not only are the placed burn bans by the state being ignored but also the permanent ban in place for the City of Mobile. The increased number of woods/grass/trash fires also places a strain on fire service assets, which are being taken away from other incidents. This situation poses an immediate safety hazard to a potentially large number of citizens and property. Until there is a "significant" amount of rainfall in the area there should be no burning outdoors of any kind. Mobile Fire-Rescue Department is prepared to begin issuing tickets to those caught burning trash or rubbish. In the past the department has issued a warning first but under these conditions the department is prepared to bypass the warning stage and go directly to the ticket stage. ###