Prescribed Burn Planned for Oak Mountain State Park

Controlled fire to clear brush and reduce wildfire risk

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:56am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted earth tones, with a glowing orange fire burning in the distance and thick smoke obscuring the details of the forest.A controlled burn at Oak Mountain State Park aims to clear excess vegetation and reduce the risk of future wildfires.Today in Birmingham

Oak Mountain State Park in Birmingham, Alabama is scheduled to conduct a prescribed burn on Thursday to clear brush and reduce the risk of future wildfires. The controlled burn is a common forest management practice used to maintain the health of the park's ecosystems.

Why it matters

Prescribed burns are an important tool for managing fire-adapted ecosystems like those found in Oak Mountain State Park. By proactively removing excess vegetation, park officials can help prevent dangerous and uncontrolled wildfires that could threaten nearby communities.

The details

The prescribed burn at Oak Mountain State Park will cover approximately 100 acres and is expected to last several hours. Park staff and local fire departments will closely monitor the controlled fire to ensure it remains contained within the designated area. Visitors may see smoke during the burn, but the park will remain open to the public.

  • The prescribed burn is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Oak Mountain State Park

A 9,940-acre state park located just south of Birmingham, Alabama that is known for its diverse ecosystems, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

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What’s next

Park officials will continue to monitor the area after the prescribed burn to ensure the fire remains contained and the ecosystem recovers as expected.

The takeaway

Prescribed burns are a vital forest management practice that can help reduce the risk of dangerous wildfires and maintain the health of fire-adapted ecosystems like those found in Oak Mountain State Park.