Wildfire threats loom across state as drought conditions worsen

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Nearly three-quarters of the state of Arkansas is under some type of drought designation, and wildfires are becoming an increasing danger as dry weather continues to loom across the Natural State.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions exist throughout most of the state except for the extreme northeast corner. Most of the state is in stage 1 (moderate) or stage 2 (severe) drought. A pocket of counties in Northwest Arkansas is under the extreme designation, while parts of the Arkansas Delta are under the abnormally dry designation.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture noted that burn bans have been issued for 51 counties. The increased threat is primarily due to strong winds from a cold front combined with low humidity and dry conditions. To help residents understand the wildfire threat, the Department maintains a county-by-county wildfire danger map.

Wildfire threats loom across state as drought conditions worsen