Bunker

Evacuations lifted as crews secure perimeter near East Camden

The Bunker Fire is burning north of Arkansas Highway 278 near East Camden and the Highland Industrial Park in Calhoun County. After spreading rapidly following its start on Monday afternoon, firefighters established containment lines around the majority of the perimeter. Displaced residents and university students have returned home, and no structures are currently threatened.

Evacuations and Closures

• Evacuation orders for residents north of Arkansas Highway 278 between Calhoun Road 10 and Calhoun Road 95 were lifted on September 16.
• Evacuations for Southern Arkansas University Tech residential students were lifted on September 16, permitting students to return to campus.
• Road closures established on September 15 remain around the intersection of Arkansas Highway 203 and Arkansas Highway 274, restricting access to emergency personnel.
• Temporary shelters were established on September 15 at Victory Baptist Church, Hampton High School Library, and Hampton First Assembly of God Church in Hampton.

Impact

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture confirmed on September 16 that no structures were damaged or lost, and no injuries were reported. Operations at the nearby Highland Industrial Park complex experienced no disruptions.

Conditions and Outlook

Hot and dry conditions with low afternoon humidity will continue across the area with no chance of rain over the coming days. Light to moderate southeasterly winds are expected to shift southwesterly toward the weekend. Firefighters plan to reinforce established containment lines and patrol for interior hot spots.

Cause and Context

The cause of the fire remains undetermined. FEMA issued a State of Emergency declaration for Calhoun and Ouachita counties on September 15, and the Arkansas National Guard was mobilized with aviation and ground resources to assist suppression efforts.

Official updates current through September 16, 2026.