Alabama Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Alabama - May 11, 2026

Overview

Alabama is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to a dangerous mix of dry air, increasing wind speeds, and persistent drought conditions. This combination of factors has led to a highly active spring fire season, with a total of over 2,000 fires burning more than 29,116 acres across the state so far this year. The Alabama Forestry Commission has issued urgent alerts to residents, as the potential for new significant wildfires remains high.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in Alabama, with 147 wildfires scorching approximately 5,600 acres in the past week alone. Firefighters are working diligently to contain these fast-moving blazes while preparing for potential new starts driven by critical fire weather.

Key Fires:

• Wilcox County Fire: This significant blaze has burned 963 acres and is being actively managed by fire crews.
• Marengo County Fire: A large fire that has consumed 505 acres.
• Montgomery County Fire: This fire has covered 464 acres.
• Other Significant Incidents: Additional large fires have burned near Chandler Springs, Westover, Centreville, and Citronelle.
• Fuels: In Central Alabama, fires are primarily being fueled by tree plantations and transitional hardwood trees. In South Alabama, blazes are feeding on longleaf pine, where flat terrain and sandy soil can increase the rate of spread.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: To prevent further outbreaks, the Alabama Forestry Commission has placed strict limits on outdoor burning. Currently, outdoor burning permits are restricted and limited only to Certified Prescribed Burn Managers. Additionally, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) implemented its annual summer open burn ban effective May 1, 2026. This ban, which runs through October 31, applies to 12 counties (including Mobile and Baldwin counties) and prohibits burning yard waste, brush, and land-clearing debris to reduce air pollution and ozone formation.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Dry conditions, falling humidity, and strong winds are present across the state, complicating firefighting efforts.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for parts of North Alabama. Critical fire weather is expected, with wind gusts projected to reach up to 30 mph and relative humidity levels dropping as low as 23%. These conditions will create an environment where fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution outdoors and to strictly obey all local burn bans and state restrictions. Ignoring these rules comes with severe consequences; individuals caught burning fields, grasslands, or wooded areas without a permit could face prosecution for a Class B misdemeanor. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. State law also strictly prohibits the burning of non-vegetative materials, such as plastics, garbage, and treated wood, at any time.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Alabama Forestry Commission: forestry.alabama.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.