Staff Writer

August 3, 2000 10 PM

The Alabama Forestry Commission has lifted its ban on burning.

On Wednesday, the state department cancelled the fire alert issued in all of the state’s 67 counties.

After the recent rain, State Forester Timothy Boyce announced the agency will begin issuing burn permits again after lifting the alert declared on July 17.

A fire alert means no permits are issued for prescribed or agricultural burning until significant rainfall is documented.

The recent scattered showers have brought some relief to the drought-ridden state, but officials will continue keeping an eye on the rain.

Some cities may still have burning restrictions since some areas have received limited rainfall.

Troy Fire Chief Ray Rhodes said his department will do what is normally done ­ evaluate each permit request.

"The rain’s come in handy," Rhodes said, adding there is plenty of moisture on the ground here in Troy.

"We’ll look at each application on a one-on-one basis," Rhodes said. "We’ll take a look at the site before issuing a permit. It’s always that way whether rain or shine."

This year, approximately 14.76 inches of rain have fallen compared to 33 inches last year.

Last year was considered unusually dry in late summer and autumn.

This month, the area has seen about 1.5 inches of rain – all in the last three days – compared to just over half-an-inch in July.