Bear Creek Fire Department Page

03/27/2026

The next 3 days the Alabama Forestry Commission strongly discourages any outdoor burning. 🔥 The forecasts are calling for weather conditions that are conducive to above average potential for outdoor fires to spread rapidly.

10/22/2024

With late September being the last time North Alabama has seen rainfall, the combination of warmer temperatures, low humidity, and drying vegetation is causing a very high risk for wildfires.

08/18/2024

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for much of Central Alabama

12/05/2023

'No Burn’ Order Lifted Across State

Effective immediately, all burn restrictions have been lifted across the state of Alabama. Burn permits will be issued as normal by the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC). This includes 11 counties in northeast Alabama that had been under a ‘No Burn’ order since it was issued by Gov. Ivey on November 9. These 11 counties will remain under a ‘fuel advisory,’ meaning extra safety precautions are required during burning because of the abnormally dry conditions: Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Jefferson, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, and Talladega.
“Although we still have not received enough rain to eliminate drought conditions in all areas of the state, we are beginning to see a wetter pattern,” said State Forester Rick Oates. “With higher humidities and good recovery occurring at night from dew fall, surface fuels have moved out of critical fire danger thresholds and the chance of significant wildfire potential has decreased across the state.”
Oates continued, “Even with a return to wetter weather, drought conditions persist. Fires can still escape, especially during gusty conditions or periods of low relative humidity (30 percent or less). These fires are prone to containment problems and can burn for days in the organic layer of the soil. If you are located in one of those 11 northeastern counties or a drought-declared area (D1, D2, D3 according to the US Drought Monitor/Alabama), you must exercise extreme caution when conducting any type of outdoor burning. Rake or plow around the pile you plan to burn. Water the soil to full saturation to prevent the fire from escaping the firebreak. As always, never leave any fire unattended; remain with your fire until it is completely out. Ensure that you have the necessary equipment and personnel to control the fire. For smaller debris burns, have a garden hose or other water supply on hand.
Any agricultural or silvicultural fire more than a quarter-acre in size requires a permit from the AFC. Burn permits may be obtained by calling (800) 392-5679. Burning without a permit is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or up to a $3,000 fine. The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency charged with protecting Alabama citizens and the state’s forest resources from wildfires. To learn more about the services provided by the agency, contact any AFC county office or visit www.forestry.alabama.gov.
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11/09/2023

F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E
8 November 2023

Governor Ivey Prohibits Burning Statewide

Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued a statewide ‘No Burn Order.’ Today, she signed a statewide Drought Emergency Declaration which prohibits all outdoor burning in Alabama. This order is effective November 9, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. Central Standard Time.
“Alabama is currently experiencing extremely dry conditions, which greatly increases the potential for dangerous wildfire activity. State Forester Rick Oates and his team have been working around-the-clock to keep our forests safe and fires contained, and I commend them for their efforts to protect Alabamians, our homes, and our wildlife,” said Governor Ivey. “This declaration is meant to prevent unnecessary burning, reducing the chance of avoidable fires. I urge Alabamians to heed this warning.”
Since the statewide Fire Alert was issued on October 24, AFC firefighters have responded to 352 wildfires that have burned 3,199 acres across the state.
“These burning restrictions are a necessary result of the ongoing lack of precipitation and high probability of fuel ignition,” said State Forester Rick Oates. “During the last month we’ve seen an increase not only in the number of wildfires, but also in the size of those fires.” Oates continued, “With this prolonged drought, conditions are such that any outdoor fire can rapidly spread out of control, taking longer – and more firefighting resources – to contain and ultimately control. Even though we are predicted to get a small amount of rain this weekend, it will not be enough to lessen the wildfire danger.”
The Drought Emergency Declaration order will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at which time conditions will have changed sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires. To report persons burning in violation of this law, contact your local law enforcement. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state, visit Alabama Forestry Commission’s website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.

09/25/2023

08/06/2023

07/19/2023

ESCAPEE: Inmate Joseph Ray Perkins left his assigned job location in Haleyville just before 2 a.m. this morning.
Read more >> https://abc3340.com/news/local/inmate-escapes-from-hamilton-work-detail-joseph-ray-perkins-haleyville-winston

07/07/2023

🎸🥁🎙️Music Line Up🎙️🥁🎸
11:00 am - AXSIN
12:00 pm - Joseph Baldwin
2:00 pm - Mia Adair
3:00 pm - Mike Jones Acoustic
4:00 pm - Dustin Busbee & Nathan Sandlin
5:30 pm - Garret Hall &
John Lindsey
7:00 pm - Handshake Promise
9:00 pm Fireworks Show
Times are approximate and may very by a few minutes!

07/04/2023

Happy 4th from Bear Creek Fire. Hope everyone has a good and safe day.