As dry conditions continue, the wildfire danger risk levels remain elevated across the state. According to the Arkansas Forestry Division, the wildfire risk level is high in the Twin Lakes Area.
On Tuesday, Salesville Fire Chief Earnest Malloy, Jr. announced a burn ban has been issued for the city limits until further notice. In addition, Fulton and Searcy counties have issued burn bans.
State Forester Kyle Cunningham states conditions are dry with low humidity statewide with high winds in the forecast in the coming days. He says the trend will continue until the state sees a significant rainfall.
Wildfire danger is broken down into four risk levels: low, moderate, high, and extreme. Risk levels are determined by drought status and long-term weather forecasts and are defined by how easily fires can start and how hard they are to contain. A low risk does not see fires ignite easily. Weather conditions will lead to slow easy to control fires. In moderate conditions, fires can start from accidental causes and caution should be taken. With a high risk level, fires can ignite and spread easily. Unattended brush and campfires have the potential to get out of hand. And in extreme conditions, fires start quickly, spread furiously and burn intensely.
The Forestry Division is asking those who see fires to report them by calling 1-800-468-8834 and to avoid flying drones in the area. When drones are present, those fighting the fires are unable to perform detection flights or fly single engine airtankers (SEATs) to drop water.
Currently, 42 counties in the state have been given the “high” designation, while the rest of the state remains under “moderate” risk levels. Additionally 14 counties are under burn bans including Ashley, Carroll, Columbia, Faulkner, Fulton, Independence, Madison, Ouachita, Phillips, Searcy, Sharp, Union, Van Buren and White. Burn bans primarily prohibit activities that involve an open flame including includes fireworks, campfires, trash burning, open flame grilling and prescribed or controlled burns.
To see up to date wildfire danger and burn bans, visit mip.agri.arkansas.gov/agtools/Forestry/Fire_Info.
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