Dry conditions may have been a contributing factor in a brush fire Monday afternoon in East Brewton.

Firefighters were dispatched to a Shoffner Street address where they found an area of brush burning behind a home in the 900 block.

Firemen on the scene said they were glad “it was only a brush fire.” However, brush fires may become more and more of a problem as weather conditions remain dry.

Just last week the Alabama Forestry Commission extended a statewide fire alert issued in September.

“The lack of rain and unseasonably high temperatures have left much of the state extremely dry, creating high risk potential for devastating wildfire,” said Dan Jackson, AFC Protection Division Director. “With no significant rainfall in more than a month, many Alabama counties are experiencing an increase in wildfire occurrence. 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.”

Officials say the elevated number and size of wildfires is a major concern for the AFC which has recently faced cutbacks.

“Even though our staff and firefighting resources are reduced, the Alabama Forestry Commission is committed to protecting the state’s invaluable forest assets, as well as serving the citizens and landowners across the state,” Jackson said. “We need landowners to be aware of the wildfire risks, and we urge everyone to take all precautions to prevent the start of fires. The continued support of our volunteer fire departments is also crucial. This partnership is vitally important in helping us protect lives and property.”

Last week firefighters with McCall’s Volunteer Fire Department fought a brush fire on Old Hwy. 31.

Neither the East Brewton fire nor the McCall area fire resulted in any injuries or lost structures.