Arkansas Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Arkansas - May 21, 2026

Overview

Arkansas is currently experiencing a moderate risk of wildfire danger (Level 2 out of 4) across the state. While the region has faced elevated fire risks and drought conditions over the last several months, incoming weather patterns are expected to bring beneficial rainfall to the area. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while there is wildland fire activity nationally, state and national resources are adequately managing current incidents without severe strain.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, firefighters across Arkansas have responded to scattered, smaller wildfire threats. Widespread large-scale fires are not currently overwhelming the state; instead, local crews are actively managing smaller incidents, monitoring dry vegetation, and maintaining initial attack readiness. There are currently no large, uncontained mega-fires threatening communities in Arkansas. Recent smaller ignitions have been primarily fueled by dry native grasses, leaf litter, and forest debris.

Key Fires:
While there are no major uncontained wildfires, crews are actively monitoring several large prescribed burns that were initiated in recent days to manage land and fuels:

• Rx Simmons Sua Fire: Started on May 14, this prescribed burn has covered 221 acres near the western border of the state. It is fueled by dry native grasses and forest debris.
• Rx Buffalo 1857 Fire: Started on May 13 near Wickes, Arkansas, this prescribed burn has covered 200 acres.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Arkansas Forestry Division and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are actively managing prescribed burns across the state as weather permits. These operations are essential for reducing hazardous fuel loads—such as grass thatch, leaves, limbs, and logging debris—to lower the chance of destructive wildfires and improve wildlife habitat. Additionally, the 2026 Arkansas River Valley Wildland Fire Academy is currently underway through May 22, utilizing new simulation technology to train personnel from various agencies on managing wildfires and prescribed burns.

Burn Bans: Approximately 21 counties remain under active county judge-issued burn bans, primarily in Southeast Arkansas (including Arkansas and Jefferson counties). Some counties have recently lifted their bans due to rainfall, but residents are advised to check local county status before any outdoor burning.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A slow-moving cold front is passing through the state, setting up several rounds of showers and storms that will provide significant relief to ongoing drought conditions.
Forecasted Weather: The Storm Prediction Center has noted a slight risk for severe weather this week, with primary hazards including damaging wind gusts (over 58 mph) and large hail. While the anticipated rainfall is beneficial, gusty winds can rapidly accelerate the spread of any existing smoldering fires, and lightning strikes from incoming storms pose a risk for new natural fire starts. A low-end flood risk is also present through Friday.
Fire Weather: The National Weather Service in Little Rock advises caution regarding smoke management and ventilation during any burning. It is generally not safe to burn when winds are over 15 mph and humidity is less than 20 percent.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning where bans are in place and use extreme caution with equipment or activities that could ignite a fire. Even small sparks can quickly grow into dangerous fires under breezy conditions. Safety and the health of others should be considered before burning to ensure proper smoke ventilation.
Resource Allocation: Local crews are actively managing smaller incidents and maintaining initial attack readiness. Agencies are continuing to train for increased fire risk and conducting fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas.

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/wildfire-danger

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.