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Wildfire conditions continue across Alabama following a series of large fires that burned thousands of acres statewide over the past two weeks, including a 265-acre blaze near the Hale County and Tuscaloosa County line.
The South Sandy wildfire broke out at the South Sandy Shooting Range, approximately four miles southwest of Duncanville, and was first reported over the weekend of March 22. The fire burned through national forest land and reached full containment at 265 acres on Tuesday, March 25, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The cause remains under investigation.
Forest Service crews conducted strategic burnout operations and have been mopping up and patrolling the fire line. The South Sandy Shooting Range was temporarily closed while crews worked to contain the blaze.
Despite the containment of the South Sandy fire, conditions across the state have not improved. The Alabama Forestry Commission issued statewide fire restrictions for the weekend of March 27–29, including a Fire Danger Advisory on Friday that escalated to a Fire Alert on Saturday.
Prescribed burn permits were limited to Certified Prescribed Burn Managers only on Friday, and no permits were issued on Saturday.
As of Tuesday, March 31, the AFC reported a 2,500-acre wildfire burning on Pine Mountain in Shelby County. An AFC map of current wildfires shows dozens of active, contained, and controlled fires scattered across the state, with heavy concentrations in west Alabama and the Black Belt.
In the seven days prior to the restrictions, 147 wildfires had burned approximately 5,600 acres of forestland statewide. In addition to the Hale County fire, the AFC responded to fires in 10 counties totaling nearly 1,940 acres over a single weekend, including:
- a 578-acre fire in Wilcox County
- a 289-acre fire in Covington County
- a 265-acre fire in Choctaw County
A 963-acre fire in Wilcox County and a 505-acre fire in neighboring Marengo County were also reported.
The AFC is continuing to urge citizens to avoid outdoor burning until drought conditions improve. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.
To report a wildfire, call (800) 392-5679. Residents with questions about the South Sandy fire may contact the Oakmulgee Ranger District at (205) 926-9765. For more information, visit www.forestry.alabama.gov.
