Alabama Forestry Commission

09/30/2026

🔥 9/29/26 8:00 PM Wildfire Update: Oak Mountain State Park

Residents near Oak Mountain State Park may notice additional flames and smoke tonight. This is part of the wildland firefighting process and should not be cause for concern. Alabama Forestry Commission crews are actively burning out pockets of unburnt fuel to increase containment. We’ll continue to provide updates on this wildfire as necessary.

09/29/2026

🔥 9/29/26 3:00 PM Wildfire Update: Oak Mountain State Park

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) is working alongside local and state partners to contain a wildfire at Oak Mountain State Park in Shelby County.

The fire, which was first reported on September 22 and is believed to have been caused by lightning, has burned approximately 250 acres and is 50% contained as of this afternoon.

AFC wildland firefighters have been working since Monday to establish firebreaks around the fire, with protecting life and property as the top priority.

The fire is located in a remote portion of the park. Although containment efforts are ongoing, smoke may continue to linger in the area after the fire is contained.

The AFC is working alongside the Pelham Fire Department, Outdoor Alabama (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources), and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in response to the fire.

We’ll continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.

*Photo courtesy of Pelham Fire Department

09/25/2026

Enjoy one of Alabama's beautiful state forests tomorrow in honor of 💚 🌳

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday encouraged all Alabamians to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day and National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 26, by participating in outdoor recreation on public lands located throughout the state, including wildlife … Continued

09/25/2026

📢PUBLIC NOTICE - LARGE WILDFIRE - FAYETTE COUNTY📢

Please be advised that a large wildfire (100+ acres) has been reported as 95% contained in Fayette County, East of Kennedy and South of Fayette.

AFC's wildland firefighters are on the scene and are working diligently to safely contain and suppress the fire.
For the safety of our first responders and the public, we do not share the exact locations of fires.
Our top priority is always protecting Alabama's forests and the people who depend on them.

09/24/2026

Meet Your County Forester: Reece Kirkpatrick 🌳

Reece Kirkpatrick serves as the County Forester for DeKalb County and joined the Alabama Forestry Commission in June 2026 after graduating from Auburn University in May. In his role, Reece helps protect Alabama’s forests from threats like invasive species, pests, and wildfire.

Education and outreach are a special part of Reece’s work, especially when it comes to connecting with school-age children. He enjoys helping the next generation understand why trees and forests are important and why they are worth protecting. For Reece, knowing he has planted a seed in a young person’s mind about the importance of forests is one of the most rewarding parts of his job.

Outside of work, Reece enjoys trapping, hunting, fishing, and playing the banjo. These hobbies keep him outdoors with friends and family, which is something he considers especially meaningful.

09/23/2026

🔥 Wildfire activity is on the rise across Alabama, which means our dozers are staying busy on the firelines.

So far this month, AFC crews have responded to 105 wildfires across the state, and dry conditions are expected to continue as we transition into fall.

Afternoon thunderstorms are providing some localized relief, but they can also create new fire starts. Our crews are responding to an increase in lightning-caused fires, including fires started when lightning strikes areas outside of the rain.

As conditions continue to dry out, use extra caution with anything that could spark a wildfire. A small spark can quickly become a wildfire when conditions are dry.

Stay weather aware and help us keep Alabama’s forests and communities safe. 💚

09/22/2026

It may be the First Day of Fall, but here in Alabama, we’ll have to wait a little longer for the leaves to catch up! 🍂

When will you see the best fall color in your area? This map shows the predicted peak fall color windows across Alabama, giving you a look at when to expect the trees to put on their seasonal show.

09/16/2026

🔥Course Registration is OPEN for the Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Course on November 4th in Huntsville, Alabama! Registration will close on October 28th.

🔥University of Alabama A&M Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, Wednesday, November 4th, sign-in begins at 8:00 AM for the morning session and 1PM for the afternoon session. Location: Agricultural Research Center, 4900 Meridian Street North, Huntsville, AL 35811

🔥The registration fee for courses is $150. Only paid attendees will be allowed to participate in the course. For more information on registration, contact Marti Davis at 334-240-9332 or Rickey Fields at 251-239-0520

🔥Please visit https://al.accessgov.com/afcsite/Forms/Page/afcsite/afc-training for course details, registration, and to pay online.
We now accept credit cards and e-checks. There will be a 3% +1.50 charge for credit cards and a $4 charge for e-checks.

🔥All registered students must complete the online coursework and quizzes prior to the in-person testing.

09/15/2026

This National Preparedness Month, take a few simple steps to help protect your home and property from wildfire.

Creating defensible space around your home can help reduce wildfire risk and give firefighters a safer area to work. Start by clearing leaves and other debris, trimming tree branches away from structures, and keeping vegetation spaced out around your home.

A little preparation now can make a difference when wildfire threatens.

Learn more about reducing wildfire risk: https://southernforests.org/reducing-wildfire-risk/

09/14/2026

Meet Your County Forester: Andy Reier 🌳

Andy Reier serves as the County Forester for Baldwin County and has been with the Alabama Forestry Commission since graduating from Auburn University in May 2024. In his role, Andy works every day to help protect Alabama’s 23 million acres of forestland from threats like wildfire, pests, and invasive species.

Education and outreach are also an important part of Andy’s work. He enjoys helping Alabama citizens understand the benefits and resources our forests provide while promoting sustainable forest management across the state. For Andy, the opportunity to protect Alabama’s forests, share their value with others, and support their future is what makes his work so meaningful.

Outside of work, Andy enjoys spending time outdoors with his friends and family. Whether he’s fishing, hunting, or golfing, he’s always happy to have an excuse to get outside. Those interests keep him connected to the outdoors and the communities he serves throughout Baldwin County.