It’s not too often you would combine the wishes of allergy sufferers and those of the state forestry department. But when it comes to the prayers and crossed fingers for rain, the two groups are joined.

While allergy sufferers are hoping rain will wash away at least one or two layers of pollen, forestry and fire officials are hoping for rain to calm fears of an active spring fire season.

Tuesday, state forestry officials sent out a release urging residents to use caution when burning outdoors.

State Forester Linda Casey said weather conditions are at a state that any fire can “quickly spread out of control, threatening lives, endangering homes and property, as well as resulting in damage to Alabama’s forests.”

In the release, the forestry department said that over the last 30 days, there have been 246 wildfires burning over 4,059 acres across the state. According to Casey, the Alabama Forestry Commission has not issued any orders restricting burning.

“However, with the unseasonably high temperatures we’re experiencing and the reduction in our agency’s wildland firefighting staff, we urge everyone to use extreme caution with all debris burning and outdoor fires, including campfires,” Casey said. “The situation is particularly critical in areas of the state where timber downed from tornados is still on the ground.”

It is an Alabama state law requiring anyone to obtain a burn permit before burning any woodland, grassland, field or wood debris greater than one-quarter acre or within 25 feet of flammable material.

For more information or to obtain a burn permit, call (800) 242-2504.