Dothan, Alabama – Strong winds and extremely dry air will create dangerous wildfire conditions across southeast Alabama on Saturday, prompting a Red Flag Warning as officials warn that any fire could spread rapidly.
The warning runs from 10 a.m. CDT through 7 p.m. CDT Saturday, covering Coffee, Dale, Geneva, and Houston counties where gusty winds and low humidity will combine with dry vegetation to elevate fire danger.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, northeast winds will increase to 15 to 20 mph with gusts reaching up to 30 mph, while relative humidity could drop to around 18 percent during the afternoon. These conditions allow flames to grow quickly and move across fields or wooded areas in minutes.
Communities including Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark, and Geneva sit within the warning zone. Emergency managers warn that sparks from yard debris burning, grills, equipment, or even cigarettes could ignite brush or grass fires that spread quickly in the wind.
Drivers traveling along U.S. 231, U.S. 84, and Alabama Highway 167 should remain alert for smoke if fires develop near roadways.
Officials strongly discourage any outdoor burning on Saturday, and residents are urged to secure trailer chains, avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, and report smoke immediately to local authorities.
The most dangerous conditions are expected during the midday and afternoon hours, with fire danger gradually easing after sunset as humidity recovers and winds weaken. Additional fire weather advisories remain possible if dry conditions persist into early next week.
