TROY Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Despite some rain, Alabama remains under a strict No Burn Order.

On Nov. 9, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a statewide ‘No Burn Order,’ as part of a Drought Emergency Declaration. This order restricts outdoor burning across Alabama.

“A burn ban order is basically no burning of any material outside to prevent the starting of wildfires or the burning of materials that are not intended to be burned in the first place,” said Troy Fire Marshal, Brandy Cox.

According to the Alabama Forestry Commission, firefighters have responded to over 350 wildfires across the state since a Fire Alert was issued in October. Cox says the current weather patterns increase the risk of fires getting out of control.

“Lack of rainfall for a very long time, the ground gets dry and the vegetation starts to dry out. Then you add a slight breeze or a wind into that factor and you have a fire going outside, it can get out of hand quick.”

The Drought Emergency Declaration will remain in effect until the State Forester rescinds it. When that happens, Cox wants the people of Troy to remain safe during recreational burning.

“Inside the city limits of Troy, if you live in a private residence, we do allow a burn pit for recreational use, so long as you are using a natural wood. An approved container would be a firepit you would buy at a box store. For example, a Walmart or Lowe’s.”

Cox also says while burning natural wood is allowed, there is a rule against burning leaves even in an approved container.

To learn more about the no-burn order, you can visit the Alabama Forestry Commission website.