Alabama Forestry Commission issues statewide fire alert

Burn restrictions in place due to extreme drought conditions and recent wildfires

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:09pm

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A vast, hazy landscape painting depicting parched, golden fields and sparse, withered trees under a heavy, ominous sky, conveying a sense of the overwhelming power of nature during extreme drought conditions.An eerie calm before the potential storm, as Alabama's severe drought sets the stage for a heightened wildfire risk across the state.Today in Birmingham

The Alabama Forestry Commission has issued a statewide fire alert due to extreme drought conditions and a recent surge in wildfires across the state. The alert restricts outdoor burning to only certified burn managers and bans burning of more than a quarter-acre without a permit. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and report any wildfires immediately.

Why it matters

Alabama has experienced a severe drought with no measurable rainfall in weeks, leading to extremely dry and flammable conditions. Over the weekend, more than 50 wildfires burned over 2,300 acres, including a large 412-acre fire in Coosa County. The fire alert aims to prevent further uncontrolled blazes that could threaten public safety and property.

The details

The statewide fire alert went into effect immediately on Monday after the Alabama Forestry Commission determined the risk was too high. Under the alert, only certified burn managers are allowed to conduct outdoor burning, and any burning of more than a quarter-acre requires a permit. Violators could face prosecution for a class B misdemeanor. Authorities have already responded to several small wildfires, including one in Bibb County where even green grass was found to be burning due to the extreme dryness.

  • The statewide fire alert went into effect on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • Over the weekend of April 12-13, 2026, more than 50 wildfires burned over 2,300 acres across Alabama.

The players

Rick Oates

The State Forester of Alabama who issued the statewide fire alert.

Ethan Barrett

A fire analyst for the Alabama Forestry Commission who explained the reasoning behind the fire alert.

Joel Naron

The forester for Bibb County, Alabama who expressed concerns about public safety during the extreme drought conditions.

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What they’re saying

“Over the weekend, we saw a lot of fires going larger than expected for this time of year. So that was what helped make the decision.”

— Ethan Barrett, Fire Analyst, Alabama Forestry Commission

“With the high winds and the extremely low humidity, we have not gotten the rain that we normally get. I don't want anyone starting a trash fire or something, and next thing you know, it's something that could have been avoidable. I want everyone to be safe and go home at the end of the day.”

— Joel Naron, Forester, Bibb County

What’s next

The Alabama Forestry Commission will continue to monitor conditions and may extend or expand the fire alert if the drought persists. Residents are urged to report any wildfires immediately by calling the AFC hotline or 911.

The takeaway

This fire alert highlights the severe drought conditions in Alabama and the need for extreme caution to prevent uncontrolled wildfires that could endanger lives and property. It serves as a warning to residents to avoid any outdoor burning and to be vigilant in reporting any signs of fire.