Arkansas’ Fire Danger Lowered From Extreme to High

The Arkansas Forestry Commission has lowered the wildfire danger for Arkansas from extreme to high because of scattered rain across the state and elevated humidity values.

Officials said Monday open burning is still discouraged, since fires can escape and containment can be difficult when the wildfire danger is high.

According to the commission’s web site, about 50 counties are under a burn ban. Officials are encouraging people to obey the bans and use care with any outdoor activity that may spark a fire, including lawn mowing.

Commission spokeswoman Sheila Doughty says over the weekend, fire crews suppressed 15 fires that burned about 69 acres. On Monday, Doughty says two small fires were reported in Dallas and Izard counties.