Little Rock, Ark (KNWA / KFTA) – Across the state, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has increased wildfires in 75 counties in the state over the past two weeks.
Twelve counties in northwestern Arkansas have risen to “high” risk levels, and the rest of the states are “moderately” exposed to wildfires, according to the press release. In addition, 53 counties were banned by local county judges.
“These 90 to 100-day days with little or no rain have resulted in extremely dry conditions throughout the state,” said State Fosterster Joe Fox. “We are seeing an increase in the number and intensity of wildfires, and this trend will continue until we see significant rainfall across the state.”
The forest section contains a county-by-county wildfire map of four emergency levels: low, medium, high and extreme. Risk levels are determined by drought and long-term weather forecasts and describe how easily a fire can start and how difficult it is to handle. A wildfire map is available here. Emergency level definitions:
- LowFuel does not ignite easily. Weather conditions bring fires to slower and easier to control.
- ModerateFire can start by accident. It may not be difficult, but care must be taken.
- High: Fires burn easily and spread quickly. Unexpected brush fires and fires can escape. If left untreated, fires can be severe.
- Extreme: Fires start quickly, spread out in anger and burn very hot. All fires can be large. Beware of extreme, distorted behavior.
In addition to the levels of vulnerability, 53 Arkansas counties have been placed under a burning ban by local county judges. Combustion bans primarily prohibit activities that include open flames, including fireworks, fire pits, trash fires, open fire pits, and ordered or controlled fires.
Robert Murphy, director of the Department of Forestry Emergency Services, advises you to take extra precautions when driving or operating machinery.
“It’s important to be careful when driving or working on dry grass,” Murphy said. “Heavy vehicles, ETVs, canals and other vehicles can easily ignite by creating a spark on dry grass.”
Forest observers are urged to report fires at 1-800-468-8834 and to refrain from flying drones in the area. In the presence of drones, firefighters will not be able to fly separatists or fly single-engine air tanks (SEAT).
Get a County Burning Map map at bit.ly/ARBurnBan. To find out more about fire restrictions in your county, contact your local authority at arcounties.org/counties/.
