Fire Danger ‘Extreme’ Across Arkansas

The Arkansas Forestry Commission has listed the entire state to be at “extreme” risk of wildfires, the most severe warning category for fire.

Officials said Saturday that a fire that burned 400 acres and caused 25 homes to be evacuated on Friday in Clark and Hot Spring counties remained under control on Saturday.

Burn bans were in place Saturday in 70 of Arkansas’ 75 counties and many communities have banned private fireworks in advance of Wednesday’s Independence Day holiday. Some municipal displays have also been canceled.

In Miller County, the Texarkana Gazette reports that three fires and two grass fires over the past few days appear to be arson. Officials are investigating but do not yet have a suspect.

The fires were all near Old Salem Road.