Arkansas under high wildfire risk due to drought, high temperatures, winds

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging Arkansans to stay alert as wildfire danger has increased significantly across the state due to extreme drought, high winds and higher than normal temperatures. Every county in the state is in the high wildfire designation, according to the Arkansas Forestry Division.

At least 55 counties in the state have issued burn bans and all the counties in Northeast Arkansas have issued ones except for Lawrence, Randolph and Crittenden counties.

At this risk level, fires can ignite easily, spread rapidly, and become difficult to control if not addressed immediately. Unattended brush fires and campfires are especially likely to escape containment. Wildfire risk levels are determined using fuel conditions, drought indicators, and long‑range weather forecasts.

All parts of the state are under some type of drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Parts of Sharp, Jackson, Independence, Craighead and Poinsett counties are under the extreme drought designation, the monitor’s highest.

State officials are warning residents to avoid all outdoor burning and activities involving open flames, including campfires, trash burning, grilling with open flames, and prescribed or controlled burns.

Residents are advised to never leave any outdoor flame unattended. Use caution when driving or operating machinery in dry areas. Avoid driving over dry grass, ensure trailer chains do not drag on the ground, and do not drive on flat tires. Properly extinguish and dispose of cigarettes and never discard them outdoors.

Weather conditions across the state are not projected to ease the wildfire risk during the first part of the week, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures are projected to be in the low 80s for much of the state with sustained winds. Rain chances increase for many parts of the state on Thursday (April 2) and there are rain chances this weekend.