Multiple fires, dry conditions keep Calhoun County on high alert
Firefighters across Calhoun County have battled multiple blazes this week as dry conditions and gusty winds continue to fuel fire dangers. Officials have contained two large fires in the region, while authorities warn that the risk remains high in the coming days.
A fast-moving wildfire in the northern Calhoun County community of Asberry forced evacuations Tuesday night, burning 180 acres and destroying an occupied mobile home. Crews from the Alabama Forestry Commission and the U.S. Forest Service contained the fire by creating a firebreak, stopping the flames just 30 yards from a nearby home.
'There were two mobile homes right close together, one of them was vacant and the other one was not. It caught fire and burned. We were able to evacuate him before it burned. I do know the Red Cross is helping him,' Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade said.
No injuries were reported. A woman and several pets were also safely evacuated, Wade said.
'We're here to serve them and we did our best to make sure we could take care of them, and that's my utmost desire is to help people. I'm so thankful that they're alive,' The Sheriff said, 'You can replace property, but you can't replace people.'
The rapid spread of the fire was fueled by low humidity, according to Erik Baker, a supervisory engine captain with the U.S. Forest Service.
'That was the driving factor of it,' Baker said.
On Wednesday afternoon, another fire broke out in the 5000 block of Alexandria-Jacksonville Highway, about a half-mile northwest of Buckhorn Marketplace. The fire spread into a wooded area, consuming one structure and igniting another before Jacksonville fire and police crews brought it under control by 4:30 p.m.
The Sheriff confirmed this fire was unrelated to the Asberry wildfire. No cause has been determined, and officials have not released details on any injuries.
Outdoor burn ban in effect
With multiple fires reported across the region, the Alabama Forestry Commission and city officials are urging caution. Anniston has implemented an immediate outdoor burning ban within city limits and its police jurisdiction, including McClellan, Saks, and Wellborn. No burn permits will be issued until further notice.
Asberry Fire 03.JPG
Grey Knight on the side of Charity Circle Wednesday afternoon in the Asberry Community. Knight helped residents evacuate during a Tuesday night wildfire. The woods were still smoldering. Photo by Ashley Morrison.
The National Weather Service reports that Anniston is experiencing unusually dry conditions, with dropping humidity and gusty winds increasing the fire risk.
Statewide, the Alabama Forestry Commission has recorded more than 130 wildfires in the past seven days, burning about 3,000 acres. This includes two major fires in Calhoun County — a 550-acre blaze and a 207-acre fire that destroyed two structures — along with large fires in Lowndes, Perry, Pike, and St. Clair counties.
Asberry Fire 01.JPG
The Tuesday night wildfire in the Asberry Community burned part of a cemetery along Charlie Penny Road. Photo by Ashley Morrison, The Anniston Star
Permits for outdoor burning will not be issued Friday, Feb. 28, and anyone burning a field, grassland, or woodland without a permit could face prosecution for a Class B misdemeanor.
'Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters,' the Alabama Forestry Commission said in a statement.
Residents are encouraged to report wildfires by calling (800) 392-5679.
According to the Alabama Drought Monitor, Calhoun County is currently classified as "abnormally dry," with officials warning that conditions could worsen.
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