Arkansas Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Arkansas - April 21, 2026

Overview

Arkansas is currently navigating an elevated fire risk environment, with the entire state under a moderate to high risk of wildfire danger. The state has experienced significant drought conditions, and April 2026 is currently ranking as one of the driest Aprils on record in Little Rock. This lack of rainfall, combined with dry vegetation, low humidity, and periodic high winds, has led to potentially risky situations for wildfires across the state. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while national resources are managing current incidents, overall fire activity remains relatively light across the country, with most activity concentrated in the Southern Area.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Fire activity in Arkansas currently consists of smaller, rapidly emerging grass and brush fires driven by dry fuels and gusty winds. The Arkansas Forestry Division notes that under the elevated risk, fires can start from accidental causes and have the potential to become serious if not addressed immediately. Over the 2026 season, Arkansas has seen a significant increase in both the number of fires and acres burned compared to the same period last year.

Key Fires:
LO GAP Fire: Ignited on April 17, 2026, in Van Buren County, this rapidly emerging fire has burned approximately 700 acres. Official containment percentages have not yet been reported. It is burning in dry fuels, though specific fuel details and rates of spread are currently unavailable in the public domain. There are no reported mandatory evacuation orders, injuries, or fatalities associated with this fire. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Forestry Division is managing the response, deploying advanced technologies such as AI detection and GPS to improve response times and firefighter safety.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: State and U.S. Forest Service agencies are utilizing prescribed burns as weather and vegetation conditions allow. These controlled burns are critical for mitigating future wildfire risks by removing dead and dry fuels—such as dormant grasses, brittle brush, and last year's leaves—from the forest floor.

Burn Bans: Due to the worsening drought conditions and heightened wildfire risk, multiple counties are currently under active burn bans to reduce the risk of fast-spreading fires. Recently added counties include Independence, White, Woodruff, and Perry. However, as conditions slightly fluctuated over the weekend, Clark County lifted its burn ban on April 18, leaving 18 counties still under a ban as of April 20. Residents are urged to check local restrictions before any outdoor burning.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Much of the state has been experiencing above-normal temperatures peaking in the upper 60s to low 80s, periodic high winds, and low relative humidity between 25-30%. These conditions rapidly cure light fuels like grass and pine needles, increasing fire danger. Portions of eastern Arkansas are currently highlighted with "Elevated" fire weather conditions for today.
Forecasted Weather: The first half of the week will offer mainly dry conditions, keeping wildfire danger elevated. Rain chances are expected to return by Wednesday and Thursday, with Friday and the weekend bringing the opportunity for scattered thunderstorms that could deliver much-needed rainfall across the state. However, officials caution that this moisture may only briefly interrupt elevated fire conditions.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to avoid all outdoor burning and activities involving open flames, including campfires, trash burning, and grilling. It is crucial to 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 do not drive on flat tires. Properly extinguish and dispose of cigarettes and never discard them outdoors.
Resource Allocation: The Arkansas Forestry Division is maintaining a constant readiness to prevent, detect, and suppress wildfires. Agencies are utilizing advanced technologies and coordinating rapidly to ensure containment efforts progress across the state.

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.