Williams Creek

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Williams Creek Fire ignited around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, and was officially reported on April 5, 2026. It is located in Perry County, Alabama, approximately 14 miles southeast of Centreville within the Talladega National Forest's Oakmulgee Ranger District.
Size and Containment: As of April 13, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 1,650 acres and is 10% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning in an area previously impacted by tornado damage and is being heavily fueled by dead and downed trees. It has been exhibiting active uphill runs and is actively threatening local structures. The spread is being driven by extremely dry vegetation and volatile woodland fuels caused by severe drought conditions in the region.
Containment Efforts: Suppression efforts are being managed by the U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Alabama, alongside local firefighting personnel. The Type 3 incident is supported by multiple firefighting resources, including heavy equipment and aviation assets. The current priority is protecting nearby homes and structures while reducing the potential for more extreme fire behavior.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Currently, there are no specific mandatory evacuation orders publicly listed in official incident reports.
Evacuation Warnings: While there are no formal evacuation warnings or designated shelters announced, Chilton County is receiving notifications due to the fire's proximity to the county line. Residents in Perry and Chilton Counties should remain on high alert.
Curfew: No curfews have been reported at this time.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Residents should monitor local emergency management alerts for any updates regarding sheltering needs.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• At this time, no Forest roads or trails are closed.
• Residents and visitors are advised to avoid the immediate area southeast of Centreville and areas where fire suppression operations are underway to allow emergency personnel safe access to the firelines.

For more information, visit:

• Alabama Forestry Commission
• National Forests in Alabama - U.S. Forest Service
• InciWeb - Incident Information System

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities associated with the Williams Creek Fire at this time.
Structures Impacted: The fire is actively threatening local structures in the area. However, there are currently no confirmed reports of structures or key infrastructure being damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No specific school or business closures have been reported in relation to this fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire is burning within the Talladega National Forest, impacting local timber, wildlife habitats, and areas previously damaged by tornadoes.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with the Williams Creek Fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Due to the elevated fire risk and severe drought across the Southeast, the Alabama Forestry Commission strongly discourages outdoor burning, and residents should assume strict fire restrictions are in place.
Air Quality: The public may notice smoke in the Williams Creek area on the Oakmulgee Ranger District. Residents sensitive to smoke are advised to monitor local air quality and stay indoors if conditions worsen.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The fire is currently 10% contained. Firefighters are aggressively working to establish and reinforce containment lines, but efforts are challenged by the active uphill runs, heavy dead fuels from past tornado damage, and exceptionally dry conditions. Resources will continue working toward full containment over the coming days.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The region is facing elevated to critical fire weather risks. Alabama is experiencing unusually low humidity, severe dry conditions, and gusty winds, prompting elevated fire weather watches and warnings. Over 77% of the state is currently experiencing drought conditions, and predicted hot, dry, and windy weather will likely cause fuels to dry out further, increasing the risk of rapid fire spread.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the fire was caused by human activity. The exact circumstances remain under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The 2026 wildfire season has seen an aggressive, above-normal start. This early surge is largely driven by climate change-fueled anomalies, including record-breaking early heatwaves and a severe drought across the Southeast. Persistent atmospheric patterns have reduced precipitation and increased temperatures, creating highly volatile fuels that are exacerbating the intensity and spread of fires like Williams Creek.

For more information, visit:

• Alabama Forestry Commission
• National Forests in Alabama - U.S. Forest Service
• InciWeb - Incident Information System