RAFEY

1 - Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The RAFEY Fire ignited on April 13, 2026. It is located in Mobile County, Alabama, approximately 33 miles north of Citronelle.
Size and Containment: Based on official incident reports over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 1,810 acres. Containment is currently reported between 40% and 80%, with recent mapping indicating significant progress by fire crews.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning primarily in dry brush and wildland vegetation. During its peak, it exhibited active fire behavior fueled by critically dry conditions and wind.
Containment Efforts: The incident is being managed by the Alabama Forestry Commission. Firefighters have made steady progress over the past week, establishing containment lines and working to mitigate further spread.

2 - Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: We cannot find any information indicating active mandatory evacuation orders for the RAFEY Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: There are currently no reported evacuation warnings in place.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Because there are no active evacuations, no specific evacuation shelters have been opened for this incident.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:
We cannot find any information regarding active road, school, or infrastructure closures associated with the RAFEY Fire. Local traffic appears unaffected, but residents should remain vigilant for emergency vehicles.

For more information, visit:

• Alabama Forestry Commission
• Mobile County Emergency Management Agency
• ALGO Traffic - Alabama Department of Transportation

3 - Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: We cannot find any reports of injuries or fatalities associated with the RAFEY Fire.
Structures Impacted: There is currently no information indicating that any homes, commercial structures, or key infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No school or business closures have been reported in Mobile County due to this fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire has primarily impacted uninhabited brush and wildland areas north of Citronelle.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this incident.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Residents should consult the Alabama Forestry Commission for local fire restrictions, as dry conditions have elevated fire risks across the region.
Air Quality: Smoke from the smoldering brush may continue to impact air quality in northern Mobile County. Residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, are advised to monitor local air quality advisories and limit outdoor activities if smoke settles in the area.

4 - Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Fire crews have made excellent progress, with containment reaching up to 80%. Firefighters are expected to remain on the scene to monitor the perimeter, improve fire lines, and mop up any remaining hot spots until full containment is achieved.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The National Weather Service has been providing spot forecasts for the incident. The region has recently faced critical fire weather, including periods of gusty winds and low relative humidity, which initially challenged containment efforts. Firefighters will continue to monitor the weather for any shifting winds that could stoke smoldering fuels.

5 - Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the RAFEY Fire has not been publicly reported and remains under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire's ignition and active behavior were heavily influenced by dry brush and critical fire weather conditions. Extended periods of low relative humidity and gusty winds in the Southeast have created a volatile environment for wildfires this season, allowing brush fires like the RAFEY Fire to spread rapidly before crews could gain the upper hand.

For more information, visit:

• Alabama Forestry Commission Wildfire Information
• Mobile County Emergency Management Agency
• National Weather Service - Mobile, AL