U.S. Forest Service Prescribed Burn Alert for the Talladega National

Forest

(Heflin, AL) February 24, 2025— USDA Forest Service federal fire management specialists are planning to conduct a prescribed burn (controlled burn) on approximately 1292 aces today, 11 miles northeast of Heflin, AL on the Talladega National Forest – Shoal Creek Ranger District.

Prescribed burns are low-intensity, prescribed fires ignited by trained personnel to remove excess fuels, such as vegetation and dead wood, that would enable wildfires to burn hotter and longer.

During today’s prescribed burn, Forest Service Roads 549, 552 and 555 form part of the burn boundary and should be traveled with caution. The public may notice Forest Service fire crews and equipment.

Smoke may also be visible on County Roads 55, 87, 40 and Forest Service Road 500 northeast of the burn area. The wind is expected to be out of the southwest and will carry the smoke to the northeast.

As the temperatures cool later today, the smoke may begin to settle down the Camp Creek drainage.

Some settling may also occur around the general area of the burn. If encountering smoke on roadways, please slow down, turn on your low-beam headlights and use caution when encountering prescribed burning operations and smoke.

Prescribed fire plays an important role in the health of forest ecosystems. Applying prescribed fire on the land at the right place, at the right time, under the right conditions benefits the land and the surrounding communities. If you have any questions, please contact the Talladega National Forest at 256-362-2909.