The Arkansas Department of Agriculture announced on March 26 that wildfire danger has increased significantly across the state, placing all counties at high risk through March 29. More than half of Arkansas counties are currently under burn bans due to above-average temperatures, ongoing drought conditions, and higher winds.
This heightened threat means fires can start easily and spread quickly, making them difficult to control if not contained immediately. The department said that brush fires and campfires left unattended are especially likely to escape containment. Wildfire risk levels are determined by evaluating fuel conditions, drought indicators, and long-range weather forecasts.
To help reduce the chance of wildfires starting, the department is urging residents to avoid outdoor burning or any activities involving open flames such as campfires or trash burning. Residents should never leave outdoor flames unattended and use caution when driving or operating machinery in dry areas. Cigarettes should be properly extinguished and disposed of indoors. Fires or smoke should be reported immediately by calling 1-800-468-8834 or contacting local authorities.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture manages more than 15 million acres of non-federal forestland in the state. So far this year, forestry crews have suppressed 675 wildfires covering over 15,000 acres—more than 40 percent occurring in March alone. Crews work daily across seven districts for rapid response to incidents wherever they occur.
The department oversees funding through boards that allocate millions for research and market development in key commodities like rice and soybeans according to its official website. It also promotes access to safe water supplies for economic development and public health according to the official website. The Baucum Nursery produces millions of seedlings each year for reforestation efforts according to the official website, while outstanding forest management is recognized annually through Forest Stewards awards according to the official website.
As a state agency focused on resource conservation and industry support according to its official website, the department manages an agricultural sector valued at over $24 billion annually with about 37,400 farms on nearly 14 million acres according to its official website. It supports farmers with programs addressing water planning, wildfire protection, reforestation initiatives, sustainable practices, and economic growth throughout Arkansas according to its official website.
