Alabama Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Alabama - August 23, 2026

Overview

Alabama is currently facing an elevated wildfire risk driven by abnormally warm temperatures, low humidity, and worsening drought conditions across the state. The year 2026 has already proven to be a highly active fire year statewide, with over 2,000 wildfires consuming more than 30,000 acres. The situation is being severely exacerbated by a large number of dead pine trees left behind by southern pine beetle infestations earlier this summer. These dead trees are creating heavy fuel loads, increasing wildfire potential, and presenting significant challenges to containment efforts. State and local resources remain actively engaged in suppression efforts to manage the steady rise in incidents.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has remained elevated across the state. In the past 30 days alone, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has responded to 246 wildfires that have burned nearly 3,000 acres. Firefighters are aggressively working to establish control lines in difficult terrain while continuously monitoring for new ignitions.

Key Fires:

• Rafey Fire: Located approximately 33 miles north of Citronelle in Mobile County, this is the most significant active incident, having burned approximately 1,810 acres. It is currently 40% contained. The fire is being heavily fueled by dry brush, forestland, and dead pines impacted by beetle kill. Crews are actively cutting firebreaks and battling active fire behavior driven by dry conditions and low humidity.
• Washington County Fire: A 253-acre wildfire is actively burning in extreme southern Washington County, just north of the Mobile County line. Firefighters are working to establish and reinforce containment lines.
• Satsuma Fire: An 81-acre fire is currently burning just west of Satsuma in Mobile County, with crews actively engaged in suppression.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the worsening drought conditions, the Alabama Forestry Commission has placed all 67 counties across the state under a Fire Danger Advisory. While a formal burn restriction (No Burn Order) has not yet been issued, the agency strongly discourages any outdoor burning until significant precipitation is received. Furthermore, landowners and land managers should be aware that Alabama's burn-permit rule is changing on October 1, 2026. The new statute will require a permit before conducting any prescribed burn, officially removing the previous less-than-one-quarter-acre exception.

Air Quality: Smoke from active wildfires, particularly the Rafey Fire in Mobile County, may impact local air quality in the surrounding areas. Residents in the vicinity of active fires should remain aware of shifting winds that could push smoke into populated areas and roadways.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Conditions across central and southern Alabama remain abnormally warm and dry. Current daytime temperatures are in the low to mid-90s with relative humidity hovering around 50%.
Forecasted Weather: The statewide Fire Danger Advisory remains in effect as there is no significant accumulation of rain in the immediate long-range forecast. While scattered thunderstorms are predicted for mid-to-late week (bringing a 30-55% chance of localized rain), the persistent dry vegetation and high heat continue to create a high probability of fuel ignition. Any storms that do develop may also bring erratic gusty winds and lightning, which could impact fire behavior and spark new starts.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to heed the Fire Danger Advisory and delay all outdoor burning until conditions improve. Homeowners can protect their properties by clearing out dead leaves, cutting down dead trees, and creating a defensible space of dirt, gravel, or low-cut grass around their homes to prevent ground fires from spreading.
Resource Allocation: State and federal forestry crews are working under challenging conditions due to the high heat and difficult terrain. Agencies are coordinating resources across the state, dedicating significant manpower and equipment to combat the steady rise in wildfire activity and ensure rapid response to new ignitions.

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.