DRY SPELL LINGERS OVER REGION

(09/21/2005)
Since the flash flood struck the upper West Fork section of Calhoun several weeks ago and a small amount of rainfall fell on the area when hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast, there has been little rainfall in the area.

The dry spell is starting to cause concern by state forestry officials.

Division of Forestry spokeswoman Leslie Fitzwater says the state has already had 43 fires since July First.

The most critical weather will come from mid-October through early November when autumn foliage falls.

The fall forest fire season starts October First and runs through December 31st.