Broomtown/Rinehart Volunteer Fire Department

04/22/2026

STATEWIDE FIRE ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT



Statewide Fire Danger is HIGH!

The Northern half of the state is classified as a High Fire Danger, while the Southern half has increased to a Very High Fire Danger classification.

We continue to urge everyone to avoid outdoor burning as we remain in drought conditions.


For clarity - this is not a ban on outdoor burning. This is a public notice to increase awareness of the drought conditions. As always, if you are burning over a .25 of an acre, you must obtain a burn permit from AFC's dispatch center.

04/13/2026

📢With worsening drought conditions across the state and low relative humidity, State Forester Rick Oates has issued a statewide Fire Alert effective immediately.

Over the past weekend, 50 wildfires burned more than 2,300 acres of forestland across the state. This includes a 500-acre wildfire in Mobile County, one for 412 acres in Coosa County, one for 382 acres in Choctaw County, one for 260 acres in Washington County, and another one for 105 acres in Escambia County.

In the last 30 days, 387 wildfires have burned approximately 15,850 acres of forestland across the state.

“With no measurable rain in sight, the continued extremely dry conditions create dangerous wildfire behavior,” said Oates. “These conditions create the potential for fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer and more of the agency’s firefighting resources to contain. Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters.”

This Fire Alert will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at least through Monday, April 20. Conditions will be reevaluated at that time. Permits for outdoor burning will be restricted only to Certified Prescribed Burn Managers. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets and 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 at www.forestry.alabama.gov

04/13/2026

Happy Birthday to Firefighter Josh Deal 🎉

04/12/2026

Avoid burning anything outdoors today.

04/12/2026

RED FLAG
🚩
Warning today please no out side burning.
Conditions are right for fire to spread rapidly.

04/08/2026

🚨 Public Safety Notice – Increased Traffic Expected 🚨

Cherokee County Emergency Management and 911 would like to make the public aware of increased traffic at Blanche Crossroads (Hwy 273 / Hwy 35 intersection) on Saturday, April 11th due to the Little River Canyon Jeep Outfitters 3rd Anniversary Event. Motorists traveling through this area should expect higher than normal traffic volume, congestion near the event location, and increased pedestrian activity.

Please slow down and use extra caution when approaching the intersection, watch for vehicles entering and exiting as well as pedestrians, avoid distractions while driving, and allow additional travel time if passing through. Your patience and attention will help ensure a safe and successful event for everyone. If you encounter an emergency, dial 911. Stay safe, Cherokee County EMA & 911.

03/27/2026

Please no outside burning,conditions favor a fast and rapid spread of fire that can get away from you without warning.

🚨 RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT – SATURDAY 🚨

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Red Flag Warning from 7 AM to 7 PM Saturday for Cherokee County and surrounding areas.

Critical fire weather conditions are expected, with northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph, along with relative humidity as low as 18 percent.

The combination of dry air and gusty winds will allow fires to start easily and spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is strictly prohibited. Any fire that develops can quickly become uncontrollable under these conditions.

Do not burn debris or trash, do not leave grills or fire pits unattended, and properly dispose of smoking materials.

This is a serious situation—please take this warning seriously and help protect our community and first responders.

03/26/2026

🔥 Elevated Fire Danger This Weekend 🔥

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Central Alabama, which is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening.

* WINDS...Northeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 19 percent.
* IMPACTS...The combination of a dry air mass and windy conditions will result in critical fire weather conditions. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible Red Flag Warnings.

⚠️ What this means for you:

*Avoid outdoor burning if at all possible
*Properly dispose of ci******es and smoking materials
*Be mindful of equipment or activities that could create sparks

Even a small flame can quickly get out of control under these conditions.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Stay alert and help us keep Cherokee County safe.

03/26/2026

📢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.

03/26/2026

Wanna say a big thank you to Gaylesville fire department and Cedar Bluff P.D., Cherokee County rescue squad and Floyd E.M.S for the help on the accident on highway 35 today , it takes a team effort

03/19/2026

Happy Birthday to Captain Brandon Webb