Huntsville, Alabama – Wildfire danger will surge across northern Alabama Saturday as powerful wind gusts combine with extremely dry air, prompting a Red Flag Warning across a dozen counties and raising concerns about rapidly spreading fires.
According to the National Weather Service in Huntsville, the warning runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, covering Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Marshall, Jackson, DeKalb, Winston and Cullman counties. Northeastern winds will reach 10 to 15 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph, while humidity levels could plunge to around 19 percent, creating prime conditions for fast-moving wildfires.
Communities including Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, Athens, Albertville and Fort Payne are all within the warning area. Fire officials warn that even small sparks from outdoor burning, discarded cigarettes or equipment could ignite grass or brush and spread quickly under the gusty conditions.
Emergency managers urge residents to avoid any outdoor burning, properly dispose of smoking materials and delay activities that could create sparks. Many counties across north Alabama already have burn restrictions in place.
Drivers should also stay alert for reduced visibility near any brush fires, particularly along rural roadways and open farmland areas.
The elevated wildfire threat is expected to ease after sunset Saturday as winds weaken and humidity slowly improves. Officials say additional fire weather advisories could be issued if dry conditions persist into early next week.
