As dry situations proceed all through the state, the Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is reminding Arkansans that wildfire hazard is elevated throughout the state and, at present, 62 counties stay beneath a burn ban.
“Situations are dry with low humidity statewide,” mentioned State Forester Joe Fox. “We’re seeing a rise within the variety of wildfires and their depth, and that is a pattern that can proceed till we see vital rainfall. With this in thoughts, we’re asking residents of the state to be aware of this danger and keep away from burning.”
The Forestry Division maintains a county-by-county Wildfire Hazard map with 4 danger ranges: low, average, excessive, and excessive. Danger ranges are decided by drought standing and long-term climate forecasts and are outlined by how simply fires can begin and the way arduous they’re to comprise. The Wildfire Hazard map could be discovered at bit.ly/ARWildFireRisk. The danger degree definitions are:
Low: Fuels don’t ignite simply. Climate situations will result in gradual, straightforward to manage fires.
Reasonable: Hearth can begin from unintended causes. Might not change into severe, however warning must be taken.
Excessive: Fires ignite simply and unfold shortly. Unattended brush fires and campfires are prone to escape. Fires could change into severe if not attacked early.
Excessive: Fires begin shortly, unfold furiously, and burn intensely. Each hearth began has the potential to change into giant. Anticipate excessive, erratic conduct.
At present, the southernmost 16 counties have been given the “excessive” designation, whereas the remainder of the state stays beneath “excessive” danger ranges. Moreover, 62 counties are beneath burn bans. Burn bans primarily prohibit actions that contain an open flame. This contains fireworks, campfires, trash burning, open flame grilling, and prescribed or managed burns.
Robert Murphy, Director of Emergency Companies for the Forestry Division, emphasizes the significance of heeding these burn bans.
“In these situations, it is crucial for Arkansans to keep away from burning and stay cautious,” he mentioned. “We’re seeing a number of giant fires that begin as small, managed yard fires.”
Murphey additionally recommends warning when driving or working equipment.
“It is vital to stay cautious when driving by way of or working in dry grass,” Murphy mentioned. “Vehicles, ATVs, hay balers, and different autos can simply begin fires by inflicting sparks over dry grass.”
The Forestry Division is asking those that see fires to report them by calling 1-800-468-8834 and to keep away from flying drones within the space. When drones are current, these preventing the fires are unable to carry out detection flights or fly single engine airtankers (SEATs) to drop water.
Discover a county burn ban map at bit.ly/ARBurnBan. To study extra about burn bans in your county, discover your native official’s contact data at arcounties.org/counties/.
The Arkansas Division of Agriculture is devoted to the event and implementation of insurance policies and packages for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to maintain its farmers and ranchers aggressive in nationwide and worldwide markets whereas making certain secure meals, fiber, and forest merchandise for the residents of the state and nation. Go to www.agriculture.arkansas.gov.