Stone County has implemented a burn ban as dry conditions and heightened wildfire risks persist across northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. County Judge Stacey Avey issued the ban earlier this week, citing elevated fire dangers. Currently, Stone County is the only county in north central Arkansas under a burn ban.
Nearby Ozark County, Missouri, remains under a burn ban that has been in effect since September 10. In Arkansas, violating a burn ban is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum of one year in jail. Financial liability for emergency services or property damages caused by escaped fires may also apply to violators.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s wildfire danger map shows that all but six counties in the northwest corner of the state, including Boone and Newton counties, are classified as high risk for wildfires. High-risk conditions mean that fires ignite and spread rapidly, particularly from unattended brush fires or campfires. Boone and Newton counties are under a moderate risk designation, where accidental fire starts require caution but are less likely to escalate significantly if managed promptly.
The U.S. Drought Monitor, updated Thursday, reveals that drought conditions remain severe in north central Arkansas. Some areas, including the northwestern section of Boone County, parts of Marion County, and southeastern Fulton County, are classified as experiencing extreme drought, the second-most severe category on the scale. Most of Searcy County and southeast Newton County are currently categorized as abnormally dry.
Across the border in southern Missouri, conditions are even more critical. Most of Taney County, apart from its southeastern corner, is experiencing exceptional drought, the most severe classification. Extreme drought conditions cover the remainder of Taney County, as well as nearly all of Douglas County and most of Ozark and Howell counties. Meanwhile, southeast Ozark County and parts of southern Howell County are experiencing severe drought.
The National Weather Service in North Little Rock reports that over 16 inches of rain would be required in a 30-day period to alleviate drought conditions in north central Arkansas. Rain is forecasted for Saturday and Saturday night, with additional chances Monday through Wednesday, but significant accumulation is not anticipated.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, follow local burn bans, and use extreme caution to prevent fire starts during these dry conditions.