Arkansas Fires

## Daily Wildfire Report for Arkansas - July 28, 2025

### Overview
Arkansas is currently experiencing moderate wildfire activity. Recent periods of elevated temperatures combined with dry conditions have contributed to an increased potential for wildfires, particularly in areas with abundant fine fuels such as grasses and leaf litter. The National Preparedness Level for the region is currently Level 2, indicating a moderate commitment of firefighting resources.

### Current Situation
**Fire Activity:** Wildfire activity in Arkansas is currently limited but notable. Fire management agencies are actively monitoring incidents and conducting initial attack operations to prevent spread. Over the past 72 hours, there have been reports of multiple ignitions across the state, though specific details on acreage and containment for fires within this timeframe are not readily available in current reports. However, a significant fire reported earlier in the year, the Pine Ridge Fire in the Ouachita National Forest, had burned approximately 1,200 acres and was fueled by pine needles, hardwood leaf litter, and understory brush.

**Key Fires:** No significant new large fires have been reported in the last 72 hours that meet the criteria for detailed reporting based on acreage or values at risk.

### Prescribed Burns and Land Management
Prescribed burning is an active land management tool in Arkansas, utilized for habitat improvement, controlling invasive species, and reducing hazardous fuels. The Arkansas Forestry Commission provides information on burn bans and prescribed fires. The Southern Region Prescribed Burn Tracker offers a public-facing map of planned, ongoing, and completed fire operations, including those in the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. Landowners are encouraged to consult the Arkansas Prescribed Burning Act (Act 695) for liability protection when conducting qualified burns.

### Weather and Wind Warnings
**Current Weather:** Scattered thunderstorms are possible over the next several days, with temperatures remaining warm and humidity levels fluctuating.

**Forecasted Weather:** While scattered showers and thunderstorms are anticipated, dry conditions and moderate winds (10-15 mph) are expected to persist over the next several days. No Red Flag Warnings are currently in effect for Arkansas. However, the state has previously experienced conditions that led to Red Flag Warnings, characterized by strong winds (20-30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph), low relative humidity, and warm temperatures, which can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

### Recommendations
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and aware of current fire danger levels. It is crucial to follow all burn ban regulations and to practice fire safety, especially when engaging in any outdoor activities.

### Resources
For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
* **Arkansas Forestry Commission:** [www.ark.org/forestry/](http://www.ark.org/forestry/) (Note: Direct URL for burn ban status and other information may vary; checking the Arkansas.gov site for wildfire information is recommended.)
* **National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC):** [www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn](https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn)
* **Map of Fire:** [www.mapoffire.com/arkansas](http://www.mapoffire.com/arkansas) (Provides live wildfire and smoke tracking.)

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.

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