Little Rock, AR – Much of Arkansas remains under elevated wildfire danger this week as persistent dry conditions continue to worsen. The National Weather Service in Little Rock reported Monday that parts of the state, especially in the northeast, are experiencing some of the driest soil levels in recent years.
According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture – Forestry Division, 14 counties currently have active burn bans in place. These include Fulton, Randolph, Clay, Greene, Independence, Lawrence, Craighead, Poinsett, Crittenden, Desha, Drew, Ashley, Lafayette, and Miller counties. Local officials emphasized that county judges are responsible for issuing and lifting these bans.
The U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly all of Arkansas as abnormally dry, with moderate drought conditions spreading across the eastern half of the state. While rainfall is in the forecast later this week, meteorologists expect totals to be limited and scattered, with most areas likely receiving less than an inch.
Forecasters warn that any outdoor burning could quickly become dangerous under these conditions. Residents are urged to check with their local county offices before burning and to follow all restrictions where bans are in place.
“This prolonged stretch of dry weather has created an elevated fire risk across the state,” the National Weather Service noted. “Even small sparks can spread quickly.”
