CULLMAN COUNTY – Three people were arrested on Friday for setting fires, in two unrelated incidents. There has been a No Burn Order in place in 46 counties in north and central Alabama, including Cullman, since Oct. 12. Law enforcement officers are not actively patrolling for violators, but have been called in when needed.
John Steven Freeman, 52, of Good Hope was arrested and charged with setting a fire during a drought emergency. This was at least the second time emergency responders had to fight a blaze in the same area within the last month. Freeman was burning trash and tires on his property, according to the Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).
"The fire department had been called out there before when he had set a fire and given him a warning," said Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry. "This time he was arrested."
That same day, the CCSO was following up on an investigation into multiple thefts that have occurred at the Smith Lake Park boat ramp. Through the course of that investigation, which is ongoing, the CCSO received information and arrested Larry Gene Lynn, 64 and Brian Gene Pace, 40 in the Logan area. The two were burning copper wiring. Both men were charged with setting a fire during a drought emergency.
All three men have since made bail and have been released.
Volunteer fire departments in Cullman County have been battling woods, brush and wildfires around the area on and off for the past few weeks, with approximately 500 acres burned. Residents are reminded that the smallest spark can set off a fire right now because of the dry weather and low humidity.
Gov. Robert Bentley on Wednesday, Oct. 12 signed a Drought Emergency Declaration due to extremely dry conditions. The declaration, often referred to as a ‘No Burn Order,’ prohibits all outdoor burning for 46 counties in north and central Alabama, including Cullman. The order was effective as of 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.
State Forester Gary Cole said at the time, “With this extremely dry weather, conditions are such that any fire can quickly spread out of control, not only resulting in damage to our forests but also threatening and destroying homes. These burning restrictions are a necessary result of the ongoing lack of precipitation, the recent increased number of fires, high probability of fuel ignition, as well as the reduced availability of firefighting manpower and suppression resources across the state.”
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