Arkansas Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Arkansas - August 14, 2026

Overview

Arkansas is facing an escalating wildfire threat fueled by a potentially historic heat wave and worsening drought conditions across the state. Over the past 72 hours, persistent heat and a lack of rainfall have rapidly dried out vegetation. As of early August, abnormally dry conditions cover 92 percent of Arkansas, up from 82 percent the previous week. In response, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has placed all 75 counties under a "moderate" wildfire risk. Additionally, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) predicts above-normal significant fire potential for southern and eastern Arkansas throughout the month.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, fire activity has primarily consisted of smaller ignitions, but officials warn that the danger is climbing rapidly. Small fires that would have been easily manageable a month ago can now ignite quickly, spread much faster, and require significantly more resources to suppress. Initial attack strategies are currently keeping fires from escaping containment, but the risk of rapid spread remains high as conditions deteriorate.

Key Fires: There are currently no large-scale megafires active in Arkansas. However, smaller brush and wildland fires are sparking easily across the state. These fires are primarily being fed by rapidly drying vegetation, including grasses, brush, and timber litter, which have become highly susceptible to accidental sparks from equipment or outdoor debris burning.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the severe conditions, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged, and up to 38 counties are currently under active burn bans issued by county judges. Forest landowners are advised to delay burning and plan for a brief prescribed burn season this fall. Any planned prescribed fires must be reported prior to ignition via the Department of Agriculture's website or by calling 1-800-830-8015.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A dangerous heat wave is gripping the region. The National Weather Service has an Extreme Heat Warning in effect for much of central and northeast Arkansas through 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, with heat index values reaching as high as 109 to 110 degrees.
Forecasted Weather: The forecast calls for highs in the upper 90s to low 100s through the weekend and into early next week. Minimum relative humidity is expected to drop to around 39 to 48 percent, paired with southwest winds of 5 to 10 mph. Meteorologists note this stretch could produce the longest run of 100-degree days in the region since 2012. Little to no rain is anticipated until August 17 or 18, creating a strong drying trend that will continue to drive fire danger higher statewide.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents must check local burn bans before conducting any outdoor burning, though all open flames are currently discouraged. Violating a burn ban in Arkansas is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000 and potential jail time, and violators may be held financially responsible for emergency response costs and property damage. Homeowners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Firewise USA wildfire preparedness program. Wildfires should be reported immediately to the Forestry Dispatch at 1-800-468-8834.
Resource Allocation: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is actively preparing its in-state capacity for an intense August. The state currently has 175 wildland firefighters, 110 bulldozers, and an aviation detection and response fleet ready to deploy to complex incidents anywhere in the state. Volunteer fire departments are also bracing for an increased call volume in the coming weeks.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Arkansas Department of Agriculture - Forestry Division: agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.