Arkansas Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Arkansas - May 1, 2026

Overview

Arkansas is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to ongoing severe drought conditions, higher-than-normal temperatures, and high winds that have persisted throughout the spring. Every county in the state is currently under a high wildfire designation, with parts of the state experiencing extreme drought. The combination of parched soil and dry vegetation has led to potentially risky situations for wildfires across the state. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, while the Southern Area Preparedness Level is 4, indicating regional resources are heavily committed.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Significant wildland fire activity is occurring across Arkansas, requiring state and local resources to manage incident objectives. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Forestry Division has issued an increased wildfire notice for the entire state, and at least 55 counties currently have active burn bans in place. Firefighters are working to contain existing fires while remaining on high alert for new starts, as fires can ignite easily, spread rapidly, and become difficult to control under current conditions.

Key Fires:

• Lo Gap Fire: Located in Van Buren County, this fire has burned approximately 760 acres. Crews are working to contain the fire, which is being fueled by dry surface vegetation, including grasses, pine needles, and dead leaves on the forest floor.
• Yell County Fire: This fire has impacted over 390 acres. No damage to structures or injuries have been reported at this time, and crews are actively working to manage the spread.
• O'Bryant State Assist Fire: This fire has burned 160 acres. Firefighters continue to monitor the area and secure containment lines.
• Grant County Fire: A fast-moving fire that burned 55 acres before crews were able to quickly stop it in its tracks.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Prescribed burns are being utilized as a key management tool to reduce hazardous fuels, support native plants, and promote long-term forest health. Recently, Arkansas State Parks planned a 315-acre prescribed burn at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Additionally, the City of Hot Springs and the nonprofit Equilibrium conducted a prescribed burn at Entergy Park to control invasive vegetation and clear dead debris buildup. The Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests also continue to monitor and manage planned burns as weather and vegetation conditions allow.

Air Quality: Smoke from recent wildfires and prescribed burns may impact local air quality, particularly in areas downwind of the Ozarks and western parts of the state. Residents with respiratory issues should exercise caution when smoke is present.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: The state is currently experiencing cloudy conditions with temperatures in the 50s and 60s, and high humidity in some areas.

Forecasted Weather: While some scattered showers and a slight chance of rain (around 10%) are forecast over the next 72 hours, officials warn that it will not be enough to alleviate the severe drought conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Northwest Arkansas, including Benton, Madison, and Boone counties, due to the increased risk of fire danger. South and southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, combined with humidity levels dropping into the 20% range, mean that elevated fire danger remains a critical concern. Residents should be aware that it takes only one hour of sunlight for grass, pine needles, and leaves to cure and become ready to burn again.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: State officials are warning residents to avoid all outdoor burning and activities involving open flames, including campfires, trash burning, and grilling. Residents are advised to never leave any outdoor flame unattended, use caution when driving or operating machinery in dry areas, avoid driving over dry grass, ensure trailer chains do not drag on the ground, and properly extinguish cigarettes.

Resource Allocation: The Arkansas Forestry Division and local fire departments are maintaining a high state of readiness. Agencies are continuing fuel mitigation projects and utilizing new detection tools, including AI and machine learning, to identify wildfires early. GPS technology is also being deployed to execute precise water drops and protect crews on the front lines.

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: www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.