Collins Chapel Fire & Rescue

03/27/2026

📢AFC URGING CAUTION AGAINST WILDFIRES📢

With forecasts calling for elevated wind speeds and a dry front passage across the state, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) strongly discourages any outdoor burning until conditions improve. The agency also points to dropping relative humidity and an increase in wind speed on Saturday as especially concerning.

With the anticipation of critical fire weather conditions, AFC is issuing a Fire Danger Advisory on Friday, March 27. The potential for critical fire weather elevates on Saturday, March 28, increasing the threat issued to a Fire Alert. By Sunday, March 29, the potential for critical fire weather decreases slightly, lowering the threat issued to a Fire Danger Advisory.

The combination of these conditions creates a greater-than-average potential for outdoor fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer – and more of the agency’s firefighting resources – to contain and ultimately control. Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters.

Prescribed burn permits will be limited to only Certified Prescribed Burn Managers on Friday. Permits for outdoor burning will not be issued to anyone on Saturday. The AFC plans to resume regular permit issuing on Sunday, March 29, provided improved weather conditions. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

In the last seven days, 147 wildfires have burned approximately 5,600 acres of forestland across the state. This includes a large wildfire in Wilcox County (963 acres), one for 464 acres in Montgomery County, one for 505 acres in Marengo, and four others over 200 acres in Choctaw, Covington, Etowah, and Walker counties.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets as well as its citizens. To report a wildfire, call (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website.

02/19/2026

2/18/2026

Engine 11 and Pumper Tanker 11 responded to assist Gap of the Mountain in their first due on a reported residential structure fire.

Clanton, Cedar Grove and East Chilton also responded.

Heavy smoke was observed throughout the response. First arriving units confirmed it was a working fire. After an aggressive interior attack, the fire was brought under control and contained to the origin side of the mobile home

There is a special group of great firefighters who are making a difference throughout Chilton County. Keep up the hard work, men.

02/01/2026

Please click the link to complete this form.

01/23/2026

1/21/2026

Collins Chapel units had the to opportunity to assist Jemison Fire Department as automatic aid on a reported structure fire. Crews were able to contain the fire quickly.


Pumper-Tanker 11 and Tanker 11 provided water supply and assistance with ventilation.

Thorsby and Cedar Grove units assisted as well.

01/10/2026

🚒Certified Volunteer Firefighter Class 🚒

The Cedar Grove Fire Department will be hosting a CVFF 160 (Certified Volunteer Firefighter) Class beginning March and ending in October.

📅 Class Schedule:
• Meets once weekly from 6pm-10pm
• Alternating Monday and Thursday evenings
• One Saturday each month

💲 Cost: FREE

This course provides the required training for those interested in becoming volunteer firefighters and serving their community.

📩 Interested or need more information?
Contact Asst. Chief Galen Smitherman at 205-299-8394 for details.

🔥 Answer the call. Serve your community. 🔥

01/10/2026

The community storm shelter is open.
13274 County Road 29

As storms enter the state, please have a way to receive warnings.

01/06/2026

12/31/2025

Returning the favor.

After Cedar Grove Fire assisted us with a brush fire in our first due, they were later dispatched to a large brush fire in their own district. Grass 11 and Pumper/Tanker 11 responded to assist and help them out.

This is what mutual aid is all about. Neighbors helping neighbors when it matters most.

12/31/2025

Structure Fire Response – 12/30/2025

Just before 9:00 p.m. on December 30, 2025, Collins Chapel Community Volunteer Fire Department, along with our automatic and mutual aid partners, was dispatched to the area of County Road 43 for a reported structure fire.

Upon arrival, Engine 11 began investigating what initially appeared to be an extinguished fire. However, further investigation revealed the fire was actually located between two walls as a result of an added façade. Once a working fire was confirmed, crews quickly went to work removing drywall and exterior sheeting to gain access and fully extinguish the hidden fire.

Collins Chapel would like to sincerely thank Cedar Grove Fire Department, Gap of the Mountain Fire Department, RPS Ambulance, the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, and Chilton 911 for their assistance and teamwork during this incident.

At a time when volunteer numbers are lower than ever, having mutual aid partners who are willing to step up and answer the call is more important than ever. Incidents like this highlight the value of cooperation and strong working relationships in protecting our communities.

11/25/2025

Congratulations to Firefighter Bryant Baker on successfully completing Smoke Diver at the Alabama Fire College.

Bryant’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to training have directly benefited our department. He has invested his own time to help strengthen our skills, improve our readiness, and better serve our community. We are grateful for everything he does. Not just for Collins Chapel, but for volunteer departments across Chilton County.

Thank you, Bryant, and congratulations on this incredible accomplishment!