Wildfire in Union County, Ark., forces evacuations

EL DORADO, Ark. - A massive wildfire continues to burn in Union County, Ark. So far, about 2,200 acres have been scorched and the fire is less than 30% contained.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the Pine Tree Road fire is near the Lawson and Old Union areas.

The Union County Sheriff's Office has issued an evacuation order for residents along Lawson Road, stretching from Moro Bay Highway to Nick Springs Road. Shelters are open at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium and Immanuel Baptist Church for evacuees needing assistance.

Meanwhile, the Arkansas Forestry Commission is dropping water from planes in an effort to extinguish the flames. By midday Friday, at least a dozen drops had been completed. Officials are also using 8 dozers to try and contain the fire.

Viewer Shelbi Candley sent in photos of the blaze from Nick Springs Road, where heavy smoke and flames are visible near homes.

Approximately 150 people have been evacuated to nearby shelters in Lawson and El Dorado. Entergy has also de-energized power lines in the area as crews work to improve containment.

Arkansas Department of Agriculture Forestry Division Emergency Manager Robert Murphy told KATV that there have been no reported injuries so far.

Reporting from the El Dorado News-Times indicates that firefighting aircraft were grounded earlier due to severe weather in the area.

At this time, there is no word on the cause of the fire.