Despite the severe thunderstorms that swept across the southern states earlier this week, burn bans continue state-wide in Alabama and partially in Mississippi. 

In early November Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley issued a state-wide burn ban. Because of frequent wildfires and dry conditions officials have decided the burn ban will remain in effect. 

“We are grateful for the rainfall we’ve received, but because of the severe prolonged drought it is just too soon to lift the ‘No Burn’ Order,” Interim Alabama State Forester Gary Cole said in a press release. “We’re certainly hoping the weather forecast of additional rain through early next week is correct and we will re-assess the situation at that time.”

“After seeing the recent devastation in our sister state of Tennessee, we cannot afford to take any risks,” Gov. Bentley said. “The bottom line is that Alabama is still in an extreme drought.”

The state-wide ban in Mississippi was lifted Friday, Gov. Phil Bryant announced.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission requested the governor’s ban to be lifted due to the amount of precipitation received this week and the prediction of more rain this weekend, according to a news release.

“We would like to commend our MFC employees, and thank local Volunteer Fire Departments, who have done an outstanding job during this dangerous time. MFC Wildland Firefighters have been working day and night suppressing 1,166 wildfires that burned 10,943 acres since the beginning of September,” State Forester Charlie Morgan said in a statement. “Each one of them worked long hours to protect people’s lives, homes, and forestland.”

Fifteen counties remain under current County Board of Supervisors burn bans, including  Calhoun, Claiborne, Franklin, George, Hinds, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Kemper, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lincoln, Sharkey, Simpson and Stone.

The commission continues to recommend individuals be aware of conditions before burning.