The Arkansas Department of Transportation is suspending fall mowing operations in areas experiencing severe drought conditions because of an increased risk of wildfires.
Fall mowing operations typically begin October 1 and are completed by Thanksgiving across the state.
However, department officials say mowing will temporarily stop in areas where drought conditions create an elevated fire danger.
District engineers will monitor drought severity using the U.S. Drought Monitor while also assessing conditions within their individual areas.
Those engineers will determine where mowing operations should be suspended.
Affected areas will be reassessed regularly to determine when conditions have improved enough for mowing operations to safely resume.
When crews return to mowing, the Arkansas Department of Transportation says employees have been instructed to take additional safety precautions designed to reduce the risk of accidentally starting a wildfire.
Dry vegetation, low humidity and other drought-related conditions can increase the potential for fires to spread quickly when sparks or hot equipment come into contact with roadside grass and brush.
The mowing suspension will not necessarily apply statewide at the same time.
Instead, decisions will be based on drought severity and local conditions within individual transportation districts.
Residents wanting information about mowing schedules in their area can contact the Arkansas Department of Transportation through its online customer service portal.
The department says conditions will continue to be monitored and mowing schedules will be adjusted as conditions change.
Leave a Reply