Fire Update – Bankhead National Forest
U.S. Forest Service forestry crews have notified Lawrence County EMA that the fire in the William B. Bankhead National Forest appears to be completely out at this time.
However, crews advise that stumps and trees within the burn area remain actively smoldering. Forestry personnel will continue to check the area periodically to ensure the fire does not rekindle or spread beyond containment lines.
EMA officials said they appreciate the hard work and coordination of all agencies involved in bringing this fire under control and will provide additional updates if conditions change.
Lawrence County, AL – On Thursday March 26th at 7:41pm, Emergency crews responded to a reported woods fire located on County Road 196 in the Bankhead National Forest near the Speake community.
Upon arrival, units discovered the fire had rapidly expanded and was estimated at approximately 300 acres, descending into a valley and creating challenging terrain for firefighting operations. Fire departments from Lawrence and Winston counties immediately began suppression efforts.
The Speake Fire Department requested assistance from Addison Fire in Winston County for off-road brush trucks to access difficult terrain, while additional agencies were placed on standby if needed.
During the incident, Speake Fire also requested Lawrence County EMA’s newly acquired water buffalo to assist in fire operations in areas not accessible by traditional fire apparatus.
Additional resources were requested, and forestry crews from the U.S. Forest Service and the Alabama Forestry Commission responded with wildfire dozers and specialized personnel. Crews worked through the evening and overnight hours to establish containment lines and slow the spread of the fire.
Operations continued throughout the night in steep and remote terrain, with crews utilizing wildfire dozers, off-road brush trucks, and water supply units to access areas unreachable by traditional fire apparatus and establish containment lines.
Lawrence County EMA coordinated closely with forestry officials throughout the incident to ensure public safety and to monitor fire behavior, ensuring the fire was not spreading toward any populated areas.
Due to the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies, the fire was successfully contained during the early morning hours. As containment efforts progressed, the fire was reduced to under 100 acres.
Forestry crews remain on scene monitoring the fire to ensure it does not jump containment lines.
At no time did this fire pose a danger to the public. Crews will continue to monitor for hotspots and ensure the fire remains contained.
Lawrence County EMA would like to thank all responding agencies, firefighters, and forestry personnel for their swift response, coordination, and dedication in protecting the community and the natural resources of the area.
– Courtesy Steven Carlton, Lawrence County EMA Director