Officials Warn of Arkansas Forest Fire Danger

The Arkansas Forestry Commission said it suppressed at least 18 wildfires so far this weekend.

A spokesman says crews are still trying to contain another 12 wildfires across the state. Extreme wildfire conditions have been declared for 25 counties in the state.

Forests and land dried out by an ongoing drought are even more prone to igniting after a week of extremely hot, dry weather. More than two-thirds of Arkansas’ 75 counties are under burn bans.

The commission warns residents of fire danger zones to avoid burning or doing anything that could spark a blaze. Potential hazards include sparks from lawn mowers, cigarettes or parking vehicles where grass or vegetation can touch the exhaust.