Dry, windy conditions are keeping local fire department busy this weekend.
At present time, all counties in northern Arkansas are in a “High Wildfire Danger”.
Only a couple counties have issued Burn Bans with most fire districts advising against outdoor burning in current conditions.
Risk levels are determined by fuel conditions, drought status, and long-term weather forecasts. They are categorized by how easily fires can start and how hard they are to contain. The risk level definitions are:
Low: Fuels do not ignite easily. Weather conditions will lead to slow spread and relatively easy to control fires.
Moderate: Fire can start from accidental causes. May not become serious, but caution should be taken.
High: Fires ignite easily and spread quickly. Unattended brush fires and campfires are likely to escape. Fires may become serious if not attacked early.
Extreme: Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. Every fire started has the potential to become large. Expect extreme, erratic behavior.
Photo courtesy of the Strawberry Volunteer Fire Department at a wildland fire in the 200 Block of Hwy 117 today.
