The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is warning residents across the state to remain cautious as wildfire risks continue to intensify. For the first time this season, all 75 counties in Arkansas are classified as being at high risk for wildfires. More than 65 counties are under active burn bans.
Persistent drought conditions and extremely dry vegetation have created an environment where fires can ignite easily, spread rapidly, and become challenging to control. Wildfire risk levels are assessed based on current fuel dryness, drought indicators, and long-term weather forecasts.
The Department is urging residents to take precautions to prevent accidental fires. These include avoiding all outdoor burning, such as campfires, trash disposal flames, or controlled burns. Residents should also refrain from grilling with open flames. Outdoor flames should never be left unattended, and smokers are advised to properly extinguish and dispose of cigarette butts, ensuring they are not discarded outdoors.
Additionally, individuals operating vehicles or machinery near dry vegetation are encouraged to take safety measures. Drivers should avoid traveling over tall, dry grass, ensure trailer chains are secure to prevent sparking, and avoid traveling on flat tires that may create friction hazards.
If smoke or fire is observed, residents are advised to immediately contact the Department of Agriculture's wildfire hotline at 1-800-468-8834 or alert local authorities.
Arkansas, home to over 18.8 million acres of forestland and nearly 11.5 billion trees, is particularly vulnerable to wildfires during dry periods. The Department of Agriculture oversees the protection of more than 15 million acres of non-federal forestland through seven regional districts. The agency employs 175 wildland firefighters, operates 110 bulldozers, and maintains an aviation detection and response fleet to assist with wildfire suppression statewide.
For updates on wildfire risks and active incidents, Arkansans are encouraged to monitor the Department's county-by-county fire risk map, view the wildfire dashboard, and follow the agency's social media channels.