Arkansas Department of Agriculture says wildfire danger has increased to all 75 counties
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — With hot, dry conditions across the state, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Forestry Division has increased the wildfire danger risk level for all 75 counties over the past two weeks.
According to the ADA, twelve counties in Northwest Arkansas were raised to the "high" risk level, and the remaining counties were rated at "moderate" risk for wildfire danger.
In addition, 53 counties have been placed under a burn ban by local county judges as of Thursday.
"These 90 to 100 degree days with little or no rain have led to extremely dry conditions across the entire state," State Forester Joe Fox said. "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 Forestry Division determines risk levels by drought status and long-term weather forecasts and maintains a county-by-county Wildfire Danger map.
The map includes four risk levels: low, moderate, high, and extreme and are defined by how easily fires can start and how hard they are to contain.
The Wildfire Danger map can be found at bit.ly/ARWildFireRisk.
The risk level definitions of ADA include:
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.
The ADA said burn bans primarily prohibit activities that involve an open flame. This includes but is not limited to 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 near dry grass.
"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 Forestry Division is asking the public to report fires by calling 1-800-468-8834 and to avoid flying drones in the area. The ADA said when drones are present, those fighting the fires are unable to perform detection flights or fly single-engine air tankers (SEATs) to drop water.
Find a county burn ban map at bit.ly/ARBurnBan. To learn more about burn bans in your county, find your local office’s contact information at arcounties.org/counties/.
