Ciba Road

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Ciba Road Fire ignited on Monday, April 13, 2026, in Washington County, Alabama. Official incident reports place the fire approximately 31 miles east of McIntosh, AL.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has a reported size of approximately 807 acres, though some national tracking databases (such as the National Interagency Fire Center) have mapped the burned area at 400 acres. The fire is currently 70% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been primarily burning and spreading in local brush. Given the rapid achievement of 70% containment within the first 72 hours, the forward rate of spread has been successfully halted by responding agencies.
Containment Efforts: The fire is being managed under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Forestry Commission. Firefighters have made significant progress in establishing containment lines, and there is currently no new significant fire activity or growth reported.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Ciba Road Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no active evacuation warnings for the surrounding communities.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Because there are no evacuations, no emergency shelters have been opened.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are currently no road closures, infrastructure closures, or travel restrictions reported in relation to the Ciba Road Fire.

For more information, visit:

• Alabama Forestry Commission - Wildfire Updates
• Washington County Emergency Management Agency
• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) - Road Closures

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries to residents or firefighters, and no fatalities associated with the Ciba Road Fire.
Structures Impacted: There are no reports of homes, commercial structures, or key infrastructure being damaged, destroyed, or threatened by the fire.
School and Business Closures: No schools or local businesses have been forced to close due to this incident.
Notable Impacts: The fire has remained primarily in rural brushland, which has minimized its impact on the local community, notable structures, and daily life.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been linked to the fire or public safety power shutoffs.
Water Safety: There are no active water safety advisories or concerns related to the fire.
Burn Bans: Residents should consult the Alabama Forestry Commission for any local burn bans, as the state frequently issues fire alerts during dry periods.
Air Quality: While smoke may be visible in the immediate vicinity of the burn scar, there are no widespread air quality alerts. Individuals with respiratory issues near the fire should limit outdoor exposure if localized smoke is present.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With the fire already at 70% containment and exhibiting minimal activity, firefighters are expected to focus on mopping up hot spots and reinforcing existing containment lines. Full containment is anticipated in the coming days unless weather conditions drastically change.
Weather and Wind Warnings: There are no specific Red Flag Warnings active for Washington County at this time. However, the broader Southeast region is experiencing a dry weather pattern through the weekend, with low afternoon relative humidity dropping to 15-30% and locally poor overnight moisture recovery. Firefighters will monitor these conditions to prevent any flare-ups.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the Ciba Road Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: Recent weather patterns in the Southeast have contributed to elevated fire risks across the region. The area has been experiencing dry conditions with low relative humidity and poor overnight moisture recovery. These dry, breezy conditions create a favorable environment for brush fires to ignite and spread before responders can establish containment.

For more information, visit:

• Alabama Forestry Commission - Wildfire Updates
• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
• Washington County Emergency Management Agency