02/17/2026
Good things are planned for Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge in Anniston, AL:
(Anniston, AL) February 17, 2026 ---- The USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations (controlled burns) at Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge both north and south of Bains Gap Road during the spring of 2026. The focused units are on the 9,016ac refuge between Fort McClellan and White Plains. Refuge personnel have been working on preparations through partnerships for the last three years to get fire back on the landscape.
Prescribed burns are low intensity fires ignited by trained personnel to reduce excess hazardous fuels and will assist wildlife habitat. By reducing hazardous fuels within the correct weather parameters, this will reduce potential wildfires during undesired weather conditions. This will in turn help to reduce any damage to wildlife habitat from wildfires.
Bains Gap Road could potentially be closed for short periods of time for the safety of personnel conditioning operations or for public safety due to smoke intensity. Please see the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge page for updates. Updated information, specific dates, times and road closures will be listed on the Wheeler NWR Complex FB page.
If you have questions, please contact the Mountain Longleaf NWR Refuge Manager at 256-848-6833.
