Dry conditions fuel growing wildfire risk across Arkansas

TEXARKANA, Ark. - Wildfire danger is on the rise across Arkansas, and forestry officials warn the threat could continue to grow as dry conditions persist across the state.

According to the Arkansas Forestry Division, all 75 Arkansas counties are now at moderate wildfire risk or higher, and most of the state remains under active burn bans. Officials say the combination of drought conditions, dry vegetation, and limited rainfall has created an environment where fires can spread rapidly.

"You put a fire on the landscape, like in an open field, a pasture. It can cover a football field in about 6 to 7 minutes and if it's unchecked for a few hours, we're talking about several hundred acres that it can burn," explained Wesley McKinney, Arkansas Forestry Division state fire management officer.

McKinney said several weather monitoring stations across Arkansas are reporting some of the driest conditions seen since 2013.

With October typically marking the peak of Arkansas' fall fire season, officials say residents should remain vigilant in the coming months.

"Even if we do get a rain shower, it's not going to take us out of what we're in right now. It's going to take several rounds of moisture to really get to that soil and really get to that field to get moisture back into it," said McKinney.

To help residents stay informed, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has launched a new Active Wildfire Dashboard that provides real-time information on wildfire activity across the state. The dashboard is designed to give the public a better understanding of wildfire danger and response efforts in their area.

"We've switched our dispatch system to link to all of this. So, it helps the public be aware of what's going on around them with wildfire danger," said McKinney.

State officials have deployed 175 wildland firefighters, 107 bulldozers, and aviation resources to help respond to any wildfire outbreaks. Officials say early reporting remains one of the most effective tools for preventing small fires from becoming major incidents.

"The biggest thing is if you see something burning on the side of the road, report it quickly," said McKinney. "Report early and we can keep them smaller and keep them from burning into houses or structures."

Forestry officials are urging residents to follow local burn bans, avoid outdoor burning, and report any signs of wildfire immediately.