Wildfire Risk Warning Issued for National Forests

The Ouachita and Ozark–St. Francis National Forests are experiencing heightened wildfire activity due to a combination of persistent triple-digit heat and lack of recent precipitation. These factors have created ideal conditions for active fire behavior across both forests.

Firefighter and public safety remains the highest priority. Residents and visitors may see increased firefighter presence and firefighting equipment across forest roads, recreation sites, and nearby communities as crews monitor conditions, respond to new starts, and work to suppress active wildfires. 

According to the National Interagency Fire Center’s Predictive Services, above-normal significant fire potential is expected to continue to develop across the region reflecting rapidly drying vegetation and increasing wildfire susceptibility.

As fuels continue to dry out, even small ignition sources can have serious consequences. Fires that may have been routine a month ago can now ignite easily, spread faster, and require more resources to contain. The public is encouraged to help reduce the likelihood of accidental wildfire starts.

Wildfire Prevention Tips

• Avoid leaf and debris burning. With dynamic wildfire conditions this time of year, leaf and debris burning is strongly discouraged. Dry vegetation, shifting winds, and low humidity make this extremely risky under current conditions and can quickly turn a small burn into a large, fast-moving wildfire.

• Use caution with campfires.
• Keep campfires in designated fire rings only.
• Maintain ample defensible space between the fire ring and wooded or grassy areas.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Fully extinguish fires before leaving the site. If coals or ash are not cold to the touch, the fire is not out.

Be alert while traveling.

• Avoid parking on dry grass, which can ignite from hot vehicle components.
• Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks from dragging.

Prepare and stay informed.

• Carry water, a shovel, or other suppression tools when camping or hunting.
• Always follow local burn bans, posted forest notices, and any fire restrictions in effect.

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests ​​​​​​​https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/ozark-stfrancis/alerts

Arkansas Forestry Division
https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry