More than 1,000 wildfires have burned across the state since the beginning of October.

The 1,028 wildfires have destroyed 11,232 acres, and the situation is only expected to get worse as there is no rain in sight.

At the site of a recent wildfire in Walker County on Thursday, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley asked for citizens to take the threat seriously. Earlier this month, Bentley signed a drought emergency declaration, or “No Burn Order,” which prohibits all outdoor burning.

A total of 46 counties in north and central Alabama, including Dallas County, remain under the burn ban.

“The drought creates a dangerous scenario where wildfire can quickly spread out of control, destroying forestland and threatening homes,” said interim State Forester Gary Cole. “Over the last few weeks, wildland firefighters with the Alabama Forestry Commission have been busy battling such wildfires in all 67 counties of the state. The situation causes grave concern for fire officials with the agency, struggling with reduced availability of both firefighting manpower and suppression resources.

Since Oct. 12, it is illegal for any person to set fire to any woods or grass; to build a campfire or bonfire; or to burn trash or debris. In convicted, the penalty for violating a No Burn Order is a fine of up to $500 and/or six months in jail.

“Unfortunately there is no relief in sight,” Cole said. “The forecast for Alabama shows almost no potential for rainfall, with above average temperatures and lower humidity. All of these factors combined with seasonal leaf fall contribute to extremely dangerous conditions.”

The No Burn Order will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester after conditions improve. The following counties are under the burn ban:  Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Colbert, Coosa, Cullman, Dallas, DeKalb, Elmore, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Hale, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Limestone, Lowndes, Macon, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Pickens, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston.

To report people burning in violation of the law, contact local law enforcement. For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at forestry.alabama.gov.