LITTLE ROCK, AR – With hot, dry conditions throughout the state, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division has increased the wildfire danger risk level designations for all 75 counties over the past two weeks.
Twelve counties in Northwest Arkansas were raised to the “high” risk level, and the remaining counties were rated as having a “moderate” risk for a wildfire.
Additionally, 53 counties have been placed under a burn ban by local county judges including Independence and its surrounding counties. Burn bans primarily prohibit activities that involve an open flame. This includes fireworks, campfires, trash burning, open flame grilling, and prescribed or controlled burns.
Robert Murphy, director of emergency services for the forestry division, recommends taking additional precautions when driving or operating machinery.
“It’s important to remain cautious when driving through or working in dry grass,” Murphy said. “Trucks, ATVs, hay balers, and other vehicles can easily start fires by causing sparks over dry grass.”
The risk level definitions are:
- Low: Fuels do not ignite easily. Weather conditions will lead to slow, easy-to-control fires.
- Moderate: Fire can start from accidental causes. May not become serious, but caution should be taken.
- High: Fires ignite easily and spread quickly. Unattended brush fires and campfires are likely to escape. Fires may become serious if not attacked early.
- Extreme: Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. Every fire started has the potential to become large. Expect extreme, erratic behavior.
“These 90 to 100 degree days with little or no rain have led to extremely dry conditions across the entire state,” said State Forester Joe Fox. “We are seeing an increase in the number of wildfires and their intensity, and that’s a trend that will continue until we see significant rainfall statewide.”
The National Weather Service out of Little Rock says the hot and humid conditions should continue through the middle of next week. Daily highs should approach 100 degrees at times with heat index values exceeding 105 occasionally as well.
There could be severe weather on Sunday and Monday, but the weather service says the chances are low.
The Forestry Division is asking those who see fires to report them by calling 1-800-468-8834 and to avoid flying drones in the area. When drones are present, those fighting the fires cannot perform detection flights or fly single-engine air tankers (SEATs) to drop water.
Maps via Arkansas Forestry Commission
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