Alabama Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Alabama - May 11, 2026

Overview

Alabama is experiencing an active spring fire season driven by persistent drought conditions across the state, with southeast counties facing extreme drought. As of early May, approximately 2,000 wildfires have burned over 29,116 acres statewide. While seasonal green-up is beginning to reduce fire spread potential in some interior areas, the underlying dry conditions mean that fine fuels remain highly receptive to ignition. The state remains in a high to very high fire danger classification.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, fire crews have continued to monitor and patrol containment lines of recent significant fires. The Alabama Forestry Commission continues to urge residents to exercise extreme caution, as a single spark can quickly develop into a wildfire under the current drought conditions.

Key Fires:

• Williams Creek Fire: Located near Maplesville in Perry and Chilton counties, this human-caused fire has burned 1,650 acres. It is currently 100% contained, but Forest Service firefighters have continued to patrol the area over the last 72 hours as a safety measure to ensure no hotspots reignite. The fire burned through transitional hardwood trees and tree plantations typical of the Upper Coastal Plain.
• Burgess East Fire: Located near Ashland, this fire has burned 1,020 acres. Crews are monitoring the perimeter. The fire is primarily fueled by transitional hardwoods and pine plantations common in the Piedmont plateau region.
• South Alabama / Mobile County Fires: Several fast-moving fires have occurred in the southern part of the state over the past month. These fires are largely fueled by longleaf pine and southern rough. These fuels, combined with flat terrain and sandy soil, are highly receptive to rapid fire spread.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
The U.S. Forest Service and local partners have been actively conducting prescribed burns across Alabama's national forests (including Bankhead, Conecuh, Talladega, and Tuskegee) as weather conditions allow. These burns are designed to reduce hazardous fuels like leaf litter and brush, thereby lowering the risk of catastrophic wildfires and restoring fire-adapted ecosystems.
Burn Restrictions: A statewide Fire Alert issued by the Alabama Forestry Commission remains in effect. Under this alert, outdoor burning permits are heavily restricted and will only be issued to Certified Prescribed Burn Managers with adequate manpower and equipment. The public is strongly urged to avoid any outdoor burning.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Over the past 72 hours, conditions have been partly sunny to cloudy with temperatures in the mid-60s to low 80s. Humidity levels have seen some overnight recovery, and there is a slight (10-20%) chance of scattered rain showers in central areas like Montgomery and Dallas Counties today.
Forecasted Weather: A drying trend is expected heading into Tuesday and Wednesday, with sunny skies and temperatures climbing into the low to mid-80s. Minimum relative humidity values may drop during the peak heating hours. While widespread Red Flag Warnings are not currently active today, the National Weather Service and state officials warn that gusty winds combined with the ongoing drought could rapidly elevate fire danger later in the week.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to obey the statewide Fire Alert and avoid all unauthorized outdoor burning. Avoid parking or driving vehicles on dry grass, as hot exhaust systems can easily ignite fine fuels.
Resource Allocation: State and federal agencies, including the Alabama Forestry Commission and the U.S. Forest Service, are coordinating resources to maintain readiness for new starts while continuing to monitor contained fires.

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
Alabama Emergency Management Agency: ema.alabama.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.