JONESBORO, Ark. – Northeast Arkansas faces an elevated wildfire risk heading into the weekend, with conditions expected to worsen due to an incoming cold front bringing drier air and gusty winds.

Fire risk increases significantly in dry and windy weather, according to K8 Meteorologist Micah Stevens. Stevens said these conditions are already present in the region and could exacerbate the ongoing drought.

“Now, whether we see those [fire risks] completely eliminated as we head into the fall, that’s just really going to depend on if we can pick up numerous inches of rain, a couple of different rain events that would completely eliminate those,” Stevens explained.

Current drought conditions are severe, and Stevens estimated it would take up to 15 inches of rain over a one-month period, or 10 to 15 inches over three months, to eliminate the drought entirely. Until that happens, seemingly minor actions like dragging trailer chains, tossing a cigarette, or sparks from pavement can ignite dangerous fires.

Jonesboro Fire Chief Marty Hamrick urged residents pulling trailers to double-check safety equipment to prevent such sparks. “If you are pulling a trailer, make sure your safety chains are up where they are not contacting the road,” Hamrick said. “We have had a few fires along the interstate caused by those chains dragging. They throw enough sparks — it’s dry enough, it will start a fire.”

Residents are also encouraged to monitor for red flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Stevens likened these alerts to watches or warnings for severe weather, highlighting the need for vigilance during heightened fire risk periods.

Some areas are already responding to the increased danger. Jackson and Poinsett counties are among the northeast Arkansas counties currently under burn bans, and wildfire risks are high across all 75 counties in the state.

Hamrick noted that the Jonesboro Fire Department has been handling a surge in grass fire calls: "We have seen a lot more grass fire calls in the city than typically we see over the last few months, so the crews have been pretty busy with that."

Officials emphasized the importance of caution and preparedness as the dry conditions persist.