On Wednesday, the Arkansas State Police urged motorists to avoid several highways due to fire-related hazards as strong winds fueled dozens of wildfires across Arkansas. The Arkansas State Police said state and local authorities are working to contain the blazes with multiple highway closures being reported.
Officials said 54 wildfires are currently burning across the state, with emergency crews actively responding. The highest reported winds were in Batesville, which experienced speeds of 28 mph with gusts reaching 53 mph. Earlier, fires were reported in northern Independence County.
In Jackson County, U.S. 67 is closed at the 69-mile marker. In neighboring Lawrence County, fires have forced closures along U.S. 67 near the 124-mile marker near the Fulbright community, as well as U.S. 63/412 in Portia.
Meanwhile, in Stone County, multiple fire departments were reported to be battling a wildfire on Highway 58 (Guion Road) near Highway 14 East. Officials said the fire ignited after high winds damaged a power line.
In Jefferson County, all lanes of Interstate 530 are shut down from Exit 12 to Exit 32, with Highway 104 at Exit 30 also closed.
Authorities are advising residents and travelers to remain cautious and avoid affected areas as fire crews work to contain the blazes.
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Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
The highest reported winds were in Batesville, which experienced 28 mph and gusts of 53 mph.
Around 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, officials said 54 wildfires were burning across the state, with emergency crews actively responding. The Arkansas State Police urged motorists to avoid several highways due to fire-related hazards.
In Jackson County, U.S. 67 is closed at the 69-mile marker. In neighboring Lawrence County, fires have forced closures along U.S. 67 near the 124-mile marker near the Fulbright community and U.S. 63/412 in Portia.
Meanwhile, in Stone County, multiple fire departments are battling a wildfire on Highway 58 (Guion Road) near Highway 14 East. Officials said the fire ignited after high winds damaged a power line.
Authorities are advising residents and travelers to remain cautious and avoid affected areas as fire crews work to contain the blazes.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
