Little Rock area sees 25 counties under extreme wildfire risk

At least 25 counties across Arkansas are currently classified as being at extreme risk for wildfires, according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. State officials noted that more counties could be added to this category this week as dry conditions persist.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that the entire state is under moderate drought conditions. Half of the state has been classified as experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. Low humidity and dry vegetation have created an environment where winds can easily ignite fires, causing small blazes to spread faster and require more resources to control than they would a month ago.

Farmers in Northeast Arkansas continue to clear row crop fields using fire despite the elevated risks. Fields in Craighead, Lawrence, Greene, Poinsett, Mississippi, Jackson, and Independence counties burned in recent days.

The department is urging residents, landowners, and local fire agencies to take specific precautions. Residents should report wildfires immediately to the department's Forestry Dispatch and check for a burn ban in their county before conducting any outdoor burning. Prescribed fires must be reported prior to ignition through the department's website. Volunteer fire departments are being asked to prepare for increased call volume in the coming weeks.

Forest landowners are advised to plan for a short prescribed burn season this fall. The department also encourages homeowners and communities to learn about Firewise USA, a wildfire preparedness program it administers.

The National Weather Service predicts that relief is not imminent for the Arkansas Delta. Temperatures are forecast to remain in the high 70s and low 80s with sunny skies all week through Saturday, Oct. 31. Humidity is expected to stay low, and there is only a slight chance of rain on Saturday.