Wildfire Warning Raised From Low to Moderate

The Forestry division of The Department of Agriculture has updated its wildfire danger map to indicate that Howard, Sevier, Polk, and Pike counties have increased from low risk to moderate risk of Wildfire Danger. There are however, as of Tuesday afternoon, no burn bans indicated for the entire state of Arkansas. Data recorded by the Forestry division over the last 8 years shows Howard county to average 9 recorded fires per year with causes ranging from cigarette disposal, campfire mismanagement, to equipment related ignitions. With this increase from Low to Moderate level the Forestry division advises being aware of potential fire starters. While parts of the county have seen passing showers as of late a continued dry stretch is likely to continue according to the US National Weather Service in Little Rock. This preemptive warning shouldn’t spark concern but rather awareness as we wrap up the summer months.