(Montgomery, Ala.) November 22, 2021– Federal USDA Forest Service and State Alabama Forestry Commission wildland firefighters are working hard to suppress the two wildfires located in the Talladega National Forest, Talladega District. The "Fall Branch" wildfire is currently 30 percent contained and is approximately 735-acres. The "Duck Nest" wildfire is approximately 375-acres and is 5 percent contained. According to USDA Forest Service fire officials, the wildfires are not controlled or out.
Here's the difference.
· Contained: Measure of the line around a fire.
· Controlled: The fire is not likely to get outside the line.
· Out: No hot embers, no smoke, no fire.
Rain has helped firefighters with suppression efforts. Approximately 70 personnel, 2 helicopters, 3 engines and various hands crews are responding to the wildfires. The Type 3 Gray Team was ordered by the USDA Forest Service and is expected to be on site tomorrow. The southern-based team is comprised of various federal and state agencies.
According to USDA Forest Service Talladega District Ranger Linwood Butler, the safety of our firefighters and the community is always our top priority. The “Fall Branch” wildfire has temporarily closed numerous trails close to Cheaha State Park and is located between Talladega Scenic Drive/HWY 281 and AL HWY 49 east to Cheaha State Park. "Duck Nest" wildfire is occurring on Forest Service Road (FS) 651 and 642 intersection; east of FS road 651 to Cheaha State Park.
**Until further notice, the following trail heads, and trails associated with Cheaha State Park and Cheaha Wilderness are closed beginning today November 21 and listed as follows:
· Cheaha Trail Head
· Turnipseed/HWY 281 Trail Head
· Adams Gap Trail Head
· Nubbin Creek Trail Head
· High Falls Trail Head
· The Pinhoti National Recreation Trail from Cheaha trail head south to Adams Gap;
· Chinnabee Silent Trail south of HWY 281
· Cave Creek Trail
· Odum Scout Trail
· Nubbin Creek Trail
Forest visitors planning trips to the Talladega National Forest, Talladega District should contact the District office at 256-369-5882 or email pa_alabama@fs.fed.us before leaving, or check current forest conditions located on the Forest Service website at www.fs.usda.gov/alabama.
The cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation.
