Large Forest Fire Near Dierks Prompted Multi-Agency Response

A significant forest fire broke out Tuesday afternoon in Howard County, between Center Point and Dierks, leading to the temporary closure of U.S. Highway 278 and a coordinated response from multiple agencies.

Emergency dispatchers received numerous 911 calls reporting a large woods fire stretching from Fellowship Baptist Church north of Center Point to the De Queen & Eastern Railroad crossing south of Dierks. In response, the Dierks and Center Point Volunteer Fire Departments were immediately dispatched.

As first responders arrived on the scene, they quickly requested additional support from neighboring volunteer fire departments and the Arkansas Forestry Division. Fire crews focused on protecting structures in the heavily wooded area, positioning resources around homes and the church until fire lines could be established.

Fortunately, as firefighters contained the blaze, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDot) was able to reopen the highway, with reports indicating no structures were lost in the fire.

A broad coalition of agencies responded, including Weyerhaeuser, Pafford EMS, the Howard County Office of Emergency Management, the Howard County Sheriff’s Department, Dierks Police Department, Arkansas State Police, ArDot, and the Arkansas Forestry Division.

Howard County Judge Brent Pinkerton shared a statement on social media following the incident, expressing gratitude for the quick response from volunteer fire departments. He acknowledged that the situation could have been much worse, with areas around Fellowship Road, Harris Road, and Green Plains Road sustaining damage but no homes affected.

“By the grace of God, no homes in the area have been damaged or destroyed,” Judge Pinkerton wrote. He also noted the invaluable support from neighboring counties, including water trucks from Sevier County and offers of assistance from Pike County.

Judge Pinkerton concluded his statement with a call for prayers for calm winds and rain to help alleviate the ongoing fire threat.

The investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing, and authorities remain vigilant as they monitor the situation.