Arkansas Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Arkansas - April 10, 2026

Overview

Arkansas is navigating a dynamic fire risk environment. While the state experienced an elevated wildfire danger earlier this spring driven by above-average temperatures, gusty winds, and extended drought conditions, recent soaking rains have brought welcome relief to several regions. Despite the moisture, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Forestry Division cautions that underlying drought conditions remain, particularly in the Ozarks and western parts of the state.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Wildfire activity has seen a recent decrease due to beneficial rainfall over the past week, allowing forestry crews to focus on containment, prescribed burns, and recovery. Earlier in the season, crews suppressed over 675 wildfires burning more than 15,000 acres. Currently, there are a few active wildfires and several prescribed burns being managed across the state. Firefighters are utilizing new technologies, including GPS and AI detection tools, to respond to fires more rapidly and safely.

Key Fires:

• Silver Fire: Located in Montgomery County, this fire is currently estimated at 149 acres. Crews are monitoring the perimeter and working to ensure containment lines hold. The fire is primarily fueled by dry timber and brush.
• Ward Fire: Located near Foreman, AR, this fire has burned approximately 23 acres. Firefighters have engaged the fire, which has been fed by dry fine fuels, grasses, and leaves.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: State and U.S. Forest Service agencies are actively conducting prescribed burns to remove dead fuels from the ground and mitigate future wildfire risks. Notable active prescribed burns include the Goose Creek Rx Fire (1,438 acres) and the Pinewoods Lake Admin Rx Fire (10 acres). These operations are crucial for clearing dry, dead fuels from the forest floor before the summer heat arrives.

Burn Bans: In a positive development over the last 72 hours, recent heavy rains have allowed local officials to ease restrictions. Craighead County, the City of Gassville, and most North Central Arkansas counties—including Baxter, Marion, Boone, Fulton, Izard, Sharp, Stone, and Newton—have officially lifted their burn bans. Additionally, Saline and Garland counties lifted their burn bans earlier this week. Residents are permitted to resume outdoor burning but are urged to observe local ordinances and exercise extreme caution.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A steady, soaking rain recently moved across parts of Northeast and North Central Arkansas, dropping significant moisture that helped settle dust, improve air quality, and dampen dry vegetation.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service notes that gusty south winds of 15 to 30 mph will continue, creating a limited fire weather danger in some areas, particularly in the northwest. However, multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are forecast through the weekend into early next week, bringing higher precipitation chances which will further aid in mitigating the fire risk.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts from prescribed burns. Even with recent rains, it is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires, and never leave outdoor flames unattended.
Resource Allocation: The Arkansas Forestry Division continues to maintain constant readiness, leveraging new detection tools to minimize potential damage and protect crews on the front lines who have faced fatigue from a busy early fire season.

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.