STE - Alum

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The STE - Alum Fire was discovered on the afternoon of Sunday, April 12, 2026, by a utility worker responding to a power outage. It is located in McCreary County, Kentucky, burning predominantly south of Kentucky Highway 700 near the intersection with Yahoo Falls Road. The fire is burning within the Daniel Boone National Forest, approximately 300 yards east of the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.
Size and Containment: As of April 16, 2026, the fire has burned an estimated 990 acres and is currently 10% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Initially reported at approximately 4 acres, the fire experienced rapid growth fueled by extremely dry timber, grass, and understory. Strong wind gusts pushed the fire to over 550 acres within its first 24 hours. The fire has exhibited moderate behavior with flanking, backing, and smoldering as it continues to spread northeast toward park boundaries.
Containment Efforts: Approximately 65 to 80 firefighting personnel from the U.S. Forest Service and local agencies are on the scene. Crews have been heavily focused on protecting threatened structures and park infrastructure. On April 16, firefighters conducted a strategic burnout operation involving up to 200 acres near the Yahoo Falls trailhead to reinforce the northwestern control line, strengthen containment, and mitigate further spread into the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place.
Evacuation Warnings: While there are no formal evacuation warnings, residents in the immediate vicinity of Yahoo Falls Road and Alum Road are advised to remain on high alert as private homes and park infrastructure are threatened by the flames.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No evacuation shelters have been opened at this time. The estimated number of people impacted is currently limited to the immediate residences threatened near the park boundary.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:
The National Park Service has announced temporary closures to protect public safety and allow firefighters room to work. Current closures include:

• Alum Ford Road (from the park boundary to the river)
• Alum Ford Boat Launch
• Alum Ford Campground
• The section of the Sheltowee Trace Trail along the river, from its intersection with the Alum Trail to the Alum Ford Boat Launch
• The Yahoo Falls area within the Big South Fork NRRA
  No school closures have been reported at this time.

For more information, visit:

• U.S. Forest Service - Daniel Boone National Forest
• National Park Service - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
• Kentucky Division of Forestry Wildland Fire Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the STE - Alum Fire.
Structures Impacted: Private residences along Yahoo Falls Road and National Park Service infrastructure are currently threatened by the fire. At this time, there are no reports of structures being destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No school closures have been reported. Recreational businesses and services operating in the closed areas of Big South Fork NRRA are temporarily impacted.
Notable Impacts: The fire is directly threatening the Yahoo Falls area, a prominent natural feature and recreational site within the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: The fire was initially discovered by a South Kentucky RECC employee responding to a localized power outage. Residents should be prepared for potential power disruptions as the fire burns near utility lines.
Burn Bans: Due to the extreme dry conditions, Knox County and several surrounding areas have issued burn bans. The Kentucky Division of Forestry strictly enforces the Spring Forest Fire Hazard Season regulations, which prohibit burning between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire and the strategic burnout operations may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents in McCreary County and visitors to the Daniel Boone National Forest are advised to avoid breathing smoke, stay indoors if smoke is heavy, and use caution while driving due to reduced visibility.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, though recreational access to the Alum Ford Boat Launch and surrounding river areas is closed.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters are working to increase the current 10% containment by utilizing strategic burnout operations to strengthen control lines. Crews anticipate that holding the northwestern line will significantly reduce the threat to the Big South Fork NRRA and nearby homes. However, the fire remains active, and containment efforts will continue through the week.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Fire weather conditions remain a significant challenge. The forest is currently experiencing severe dry conditions, with winds gusting up to 20 mph. Forecasts indicate very little chance of moisture or rainfall over the next several days, which will keep fire danger levels high and complicate ongoing suppression efforts.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the STE - Alum Fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation. However, authorities suspect it is human-caused, noting that 99% of wildfires in Kentucky are human-caused.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid spread is being heavily influenced by extreme fire weather conditions. The region is experiencing an intense dry spell and drought-like conditions, leaving forest fuels (timber, grass, and leaf litter) incredibly dry. Combined with strong wind gusts and low humidity typical of Kentucky's Spring Wildfire Hazard Season, these climate factors have created an environment highly conducive to rapid wildfire growth and challenging suppression efforts.

For more information, visit:

• U.S. Forest Service - Daniel Boone National Forest
• National Park Service - Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
• Kentucky Division of Forestry Wildland Fire Management