By Charlize Ramos (WIAT)
PELHAM, Ala. — Fire crews are continuing to work Tuesday to contain a brush fire at Oak Mountain State Park that officials said was sparked by lightning last week.
The Alabama Forestry Commission said Tuesday the fire had burned about 250 acres and was 50% contained. Officials said some areas of the park remain closed to the public, including Peavine Falls Road.
Several agencies, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Pelham Fire Department, are helping battle the fire. Crews are using water bucket drops, bulldozers and hoses to fight the flames.
Alabama Forestry Commission officials said water drops are being used Tuesday because portions of the fire are in areas that are difficult to access due to steep and rocky terrain.
Tyler Givens, Pinhoti Work Unit manager with the Alabama Forestry Commission, urged people to stay away from areas where crews are working.
“We would like to stress is that it’s very important that individuals that are not with the fire department or with a first responder are not on the scene of a wildfire while working,” Givens said. “Not only does it pose a threat to themselves, it also takes away from resources that could be used to fight the fire.”
With winds slightly increasing, smoke from the fire may be more visible throughout the surrounding area.
Givens said a fire of this size is not uncommon during this time of the year.
“Although this fire is 250 acres, it’s not very uncommon for us to see fires 250 acres or more during this time of year,” Givens said. “September on into November is a very active fall fire season for us.”
He said Alabama also experiences an active spring fire season from February through April, with the timing dependent on weather conditions.
Forestry officials said crews will continue monitoring the fire. They will provide an update when it is fully contained.
