Eight fire departments from Lee and Russell counties responded to multiple brush fires in the Crawford community Saturday afternoon.
At approximately 12:05 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, multiple wooded areas along Bleeker Road, also known as Lee Road 179, caught fire. Around the same time, another fire broke out along U.S. Highway 80 West near Pharris Road.
Fire departments from Crawford, Dixie, Uchee, Ladonia, Fort Mitchell, Seale, Smiths Station and Beauregard responded to the fires.
The fire along Highway 80 West near Pharris Road resulted in a complete closure of the highway between Running Bear Drive and Huguley Road. Drivers were advised to use alternate routes while crews worked in the area.
The Alabama Forestry Commission also responded to assist firefighters with containing the blaze along Bleeker Road. Crews established a firebreak in an effort to control the fire and prevent its spread.
When CNAW2News crews arrived on scene around 4 p.m. Saturday, heavy smoke remained visible at both locations, with flames observed along Bleeker Road.
Drivers traveling through the affected areas should remain alert for heavy smoke and localized flames. Motorists are urged to use caution, avoid entering closed roadways and report any additional fires or dangerous conditions to authorities.
The circumstances surrounding what caused the fires remain unclear. No additional information was immediately available.
