Part of Ouachita National Forest closed due to large fire
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — The Forked Fire, which started Nov. 21, has grown today to approximately 400 acres and caused the temporary closure of the Flatside Wilderness and the portion of the Ouachita Trail that goes through the Wilderness.
“We are bringing in additional resources to help combat the fire,” said Jessieville-Winona-Fourche District Ranger Megan Moynihan. “A 20-person crew is coming in from North Carolina this afternoon and additional firefighting personnel and equipment are in route.”
Firefighter and visitor safety is our priority, so we are temporarily closing the Wilderness to everyone other than fire suppression personnel. Hunters and visitors should be cautious around the Flatside Wilderness area with the increased traffic from fire suppression activities.
The Ouachita has 12 active fires currently for approximately 619 acres, while the Ozark-St. Francis has two active fires for a total of two acres. Visitors are urged to use extreme caution when utilizing campfires in the area due to the dry conditions.
