LANETT — Lanett Fire Chief Johnny Allen issued a ban on all outdoor burning with the city limits until conditions improve. 

Outdoor cooking is still allowed, according to Allen.

“I am issuing this ban in an attempt to protect our citizens, their property, our business owners and their property, as well as all visitors to the City of Lanett,” Allen said. “Our current outdoor conditions present too much-added risk for outdoor burns. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause but I feel things are to a point that it is better to be proactive rather than reactive on this issue.”

The chief will announce when the ban is lifted but even then, a burn permit will be required from the City of Lanett Fire and EMS Department at (334) 644-5230. For now, the ban is in effect.    

While drought conditions persist, no burn permits will be issued for the East Alabama fire district. Local officials are following the recommendation of the Alabama Forestry Commission, which currently has the state under a Fire Alert. 

A Fire Alert in not a complete ban on burning, but any request for burning must go through the commission. Under these conditions, usually, only professional burns are approved, if any. The commission handles requests case by case.   

East Alabama Assistant Fire Chief Kerry Pickard said the caution may be in place for a while.

“We will need a lot of rain before we are at safe levels again,” Pickard said.