Wildfire threat lessens in North Ala.

A dozen North Alabama counties have seen enough rain to reduce the wildfire threat. However, Mobile and Baldwin County remain under a drought emergency, also known as a no burn order.

The Alabama Forestry Commission announced Friday the drought emergency was downgraded to a fire alert for the following counties.

• Lauderdale
• Colbert
• Franklin
• Marion
• Limestone
• Lawrence
• Winston
• Madison
• Morgan
• Jackson
• Marshall
• DeKalb

Under a fire alert, trash and debris may be burned with caution.

Alabama's other 55 counties, including Mobile and Baldwin County, remains under a drought emergency. That means no one can set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes. Campfires, bonfires, and trash burning is also not allowed.

The drought emergency does not prohibit the sale, possession or use of any type of fireworks. However, some Alabama cities have ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks within city limits, or are restricting use because of the no burn order.

The Forestry Commission urges anyone who plans to use fireworks during the fourth of July weekend to exercise caution due to the extremely dry conditions in most of Alabama.