Little Rock, Ark. – As Labor Day weekend approaches, fire officials are reminding Arkansans to stay alert to wildfire dangers, with 12 counties remaining under active burn bans despite recent rainfall in parts of the state.
According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture – Forestry Division, counties such as Fulton, Izard, Sharp, and Monroe are among those enforcing bans, particularly across northeastern and southern Arkansas. While much of central and western Arkansas received enough rain to ease fire concerns, other regions remain dry and vulnerable.
The National Weather Service in Little Rock notes that moderate wildfire danger persists in 17 counties, especially across northern and southwestern areas where rainfall has been limited this week. Officials caution that even short-term dry conditions can quickly elevate wildfire risk, particularly during a busy holiday weekend.
Residents planning outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or camping should exercise caution. Authorities advise checking with county officials before burning debris or lighting campfires, even in areas not currently under formal bans. In counties where bans are active, any type of open burning is prohibited until conditions improve.
With large numbers of Arkansans expected to celebrate outdoors, fire officials emphasize simple safety steps: avoid burning in restricted areas, keep water or extinguishing tools nearby when grilling, and immediately report any signs of wildfire activity to local authorities.
Though rainfall patterns may improve conditions after the holiday, officials warn that additional counties could enact burn bans if dry weather persists into next week. For now, the message across Arkansas is clear—celebrate safely, remain fire-aware, and help protect communities from the threat of wildfires.
