College Drive

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The College Drive Fire ignited on March 25, 2026, in Monroe County, Alabama, approximately 21.7 miles north-northeast of the community of Burnt Corn.
Size and Containment: As of April 7, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 708 acres and is currently reported to be 75% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been primarily fueled by two-foot brush. Over the last 72 hours, the fire behavior has been reported as minimal, with little to no significant growth or active rate of spread.
Containment Efforts: The incident is being managed by the Alabama Forestry Commission. Firefighters have successfully established containment lines around the majority of the perimeter, aided by highly favorable weather conditions and the lack of extreme winds.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: I cannot find any information regarding mandatory evacuation orders for the College Drive Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: I cannot find any information regarding evacuation warnings for this incident.
Curfew: I cannot find any information regarding curfews in the affected area.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: I cannot find any information regarding evacuation shelters or an estimated number of people impacted, as the fire's minimal behavior suggests no immediate threat to surrounding residential communities.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• I cannot find any information regarding road, school, or infrastructure closures related to this fire. Local traffic and daily operations do not appear to be impacted at this time.

For more information, visit:

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

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: I cannot find any information reporting injuries or fatalities associated with the College Drive Fire.
Structures Impacted: There are no reports of structures being damaged, destroyed, or currently threatened by this fire.
School and Business Closures: I cannot find any information regarding school or business closures in Monroe County due to this incident.
Notable Impacts: Due to the rural location and minimal spread of the fire, community impact has been negligible.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: I cannot find any information regarding power outages in Monroe County related to this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: While there are no specific county-wide burn bans currently highlighted for Monroe County, residents should consult the Alabama Forestry Commission for daily local burn restrictions before conducting any outdoor burning.
Air Quality: Because fire behavior is minimal, smoke production is low. However, localized smoldering brush may briefly affect sensitive individuals in the immediate vicinity.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With the fire currently at 75% containment and exhibiting minimal fire behavior, crews are expected to continue mopping up hotspots and reinforcing existing containment lines over the coming days. Full containment is anticipated shortly provided that current weather conditions hold.
Weather and Wind Warnings: There are no Red Flag Warnings or High Wind Warnings in effect for Monroe County. The weather over the next few days is forecast to remain mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-70s, moderate humidity (around 40-50%), and light winds. These mild conditions are highly favorable for firefighters to safely complete their containment efforts.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the College Drive Fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation by the Alabama Forestry Commission.
Weather and Climate: Recent weather conditions have played a significant and helpful role in mitigating the fire's spread. With temperatures hovering around 75°F to 76°F, humidity levels above 40%, and light east-southeast winds at approximately 6 mph, the environment has not supported rapid or extreme fire growth. The absence of extreme climate factors, such as severe drought or high-wind events in the immediate area, has allowed fire crews to effectively manage and suppress the brush fire.

For more information, visit:

• Alabama Forestry Commission Current Wildfires
• Monroe County Emergency Management Agency
• Alabama Interagency Coordination Center