Columbiana, Alabama: Brush Fires & Controlled Burns

0:00It's April 9th. This is Birmingham News Today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Corey with The Story. Smoke is rising over Kalumbiana, Alabama, from brush fires burning along Highway 30 in Shelby County. Multiple blazes are going on. Some planned prescribed burns and others now contain by crews. The main fire near the highway got boxed in Thursday afternoon, but officials say steer clear if you got breeding issues. Others are digging in with fire breaks, clearing out fuel so flames can't jump across. Saginaw Fire Chief Jonathan Hensley points outwind as the real driver, pushing these fires to spread fast once they kick off. Folks with asthma, COPD, and fizima, or any lung problems are most at risk from the heavy smoke and ash. Crews advise staying inside during thick haze, turning off your HVAC system, and stuffing towels under doors to keep smoke out. Meanwhile, some of that haze comes from controlled burns at Oak Mountain State Park, where trails shut down Thursday.

1:00These intentional fires hoe man is the land, and stop bigger wildfires down the line. To safeguard your spot, keep eyes on any outdoor flames. Grab your garden hose just in case. Crews have it handled, but stay vigilant in the area.