Dangerous wildfire conditions continue across Arkansas, with persistent drought, extremely dry vegetation and changing weather conditions increasing the threat of fires throughout the state.
According to the latest complete county-level classifications verified from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s October 15–16 reporting, 25 Arkansas counties were classified at EXTREME wildfire danger, 44 counties at HIGH danger and 6 counties at MODERATE danger.
That means 69 of Arkansas’s 75 counties were classified at either high or extreme wildfire danger.
The most serious wildfire danger was concentrated across southern Arkansas, while much of Central, North Central and Northeast Arkansas remained in the high category.
Only 6 counties in northwest Arkansas were listed at moderate wildfire danger.
The National Weather Service reported Saturday evening, October 17, that wildfire danger remained high across most of Arkansas, with moderate conditions across northwest sections.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging residents to avoid outdoor burning and take precautions to prevent wildfires.
25 Arkansas Counties Classified at Extreme Wildfire Danger
The EXTREME wildfire danger category represents the highest level on Arkansas’s 4-category wildfire danger scale.
According to the October 15–16 state classifications, the following 25 counties were rated EXTREME:
- Arkansas County
- Ashley County
- Bradley County
- Calhoun County
- Chicot County
- Clark County
- Cleveland County
- Columbia County
- Dallas County
- Desha County
- Drew County
- Grant County
- Hempstead County
- Hot Spring County
- Howard County
- Jefferson County
- Lafayette County
- Lincoln County
- Little River County
- Miller County
- Nevada County
- Ouachita County
- Pike County
- Sevier County
- Union County
EXTREME wildfire danger means fires can ignite quickly, spread rapidly and burn intensely.
Under these conditions, fires may become difficult to contain and can threaten homes, buildings, timberland, agricultural property and surrounding communities.
Officials warn that even a small spark can develop into a dangerous wildfire.
44 Arkansas Counties Classified at High Wildfire Danger
Another 44 counties were classified at HIGH wildfire danger in the October 15–16 county-level reporting.
These counties include much of Central, North Central, Northeast and Western Arkansas.
The 44 HIGH wildfire danger counties are:
- Baxter County
- Clay County
- Cleburne County
- Conway County
- Craighead County
- Crawford County
- Crittenden County
- Cross County
- Faulkner County
- Franklin County
- Fulton County
- Garland County
- Greene County
- Independence County
- Izard County
- Jackson County
- Johnson County
- Lawrence County
- Lee County
- Logan County
- Lonoke County
- Marion County
- Mississippi County
- Monroe County
- Montgomery County
- Perry County
- Phillips County
- Poinsett County
- Polk County
- Pope County
- Prairie County
- Pulaski County
- Randolph County
- St. Francis County
- Saline County
- Scott County
- Searcy County
- Sebastian County
- Sharp County
- Stone County
- Van Buren County
- White County
- Woodruff County
- Yell County
A HIGH wildfire danger classification means fires can ignite easily and spread quickly through dry vegetation.
Unattended campfires, brush fires and other outdoor flames have an increased potential to escape control.
Fires may become serious if firefighters cannot reach them quickly.
North Central Arkansas Faces High Wildfire Danger
Several counties served by the ArkansasRadio.com family of radio stations are included in the HIGH wildfire danger category.
Those include:
- Baxter County — Mountain Home
- Cleburne County — Heber Springs
- Faulkner County — Conway
- Independence County — Batesville
- Izard County — Melbourne
- Jackson County — Newport
- Lonoke County — Cabot
- Pope County — Russellville
- Sharp County — Ash Flat
- Stone County — Mountain View
- Van Buren County — Clinton and Fairfield Bay
- White County — Searcy and Beebe
Residents across these communities are being urged to remain cautious with any activity that could create sparks or flames.
Dry leaves, grass, brush and wooded areas can provide fuel for rapidly spreading fires.
6 Northwest Arkansas Counties at Moderate Wildfire Danger
Only 6 counties were classified at MODERATE wildfire danger in the October 15–16 statewide breakdown.
Those counties are:
- Benton County
- Boone County
- Carroll County
- Madison County
- Newton County
- Washington County
The moderate category covers portions of northwest Arkansas, including the Fayetteville area.
Although the danger level is lower than in the rest of the state, officials emphasize that fires can still start and spread under moderate conditions.
Residents should continue using caution and follow any local outdoor burning restrictions.
Drought Conditions Increase Arkansas Wildfire Threat
Persistent drought conditions have contributed to the elevated wildfire danger.
The National Weather Service reported that more than 91% of Arkansas was experiencing severe drought conditions or worse in its October 18 update.
Extremely dry vegetation creates conditions where fires can ignite more easily and spread through grass, brush and forested areas.
Low humidity and gusty winds can make those conditions more dangerous.
The National Weather Service indicated that the lack of meaningful rainfall could allow drought conditions to continue worsening.
Arkansas Burn Bans Remain a Major Concern
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture reported 50 counties under burn bans on October 15.
However, wildfire danger classifications and burn bans are not the same thing.
Wildfire danger ratings describe environmental conditions and the potential for fires to start and spread.
County burn bans are legal restrictions established by local authorities.
In Arkansas, county judges are responsible for issuing county burn bans.
Because restrictions can change, residents should check the latest official county status before conducting any outdoor burning.
The October 15 burn-ban total should not be treated as a newly verified October 18 count.
Arkansas Officials Urge Precautions to Prevent Wildfires
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging residents to avoid outdoor burning during dangerous wildfire conditions.
Activities that can create sparks or fires include:
- Burning leaves, brush or household trash.
- Building unattended campfires.
- Parking vehicles over dry grass.
- Dragging trailer safety chains along roadways.
- Operating equipment that produces sparks.
- Welding or grinding near dry vegetation.
- Improperly disposing of cigarettes or other smoking materials.
- Using outdoor flames near dry grass or wooded areas.
Residents should also make sure emergency vehicles have access to rural roads and properties.
Report Wildfires Immediately
Anyone who spots an uncontrolled outdoor fire should report it immediately.
For emergencies, call 911.
Arkansas Forestry Division wildfire reporting: 1-800-468-8834
Early reporting can help firefighters respond before a small fire spreads into a larger and more dangerous wildfire.
Where to Check Current Arkansas Wildfire Danger and Burn Bans
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture Forestry Division maintains an official county-by-county wildfire danger and burn-ban information system.
Residents can check the latest conditions at: https://mip.agri.arkansas.gov/agtools/Forestry/Fire_Info
The official map uses 4 wildfire danger categories:
- GREEN — LOW
- YELLOW — MODERATE
- ORANGE — HIGH
- RED — EXTREME
Wildfire conditions and county burn bans can change as weather conditions develop.
ArkansasRadio.com Continues Monitoring Wildfire Conditions
The ArkansasRadio.com family of radio stations continues following wildfire danger, drought conditions, burn bans and public safety information affecting communities across Central and North Central Arkansas.
With 69 counties classified at high or extreme wildfire danger in the latest complete verified county breakdown, residents are encouraged to remain alert, follow local restrictions and take precautions to prevent accidental fires.
The county classifications in this report are based on October 15–16 information. Residents should consult the official Arkansas Forestry Division map for changes after that reporting period.
Sources: Arkansas Department of Agriculture, October 15, 2026 wildfire danger report; National Weather Service Little Rock, October 17–18, 2026 updates.
HAVE INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? Share your community news, announcements, sports results, and upcoming events with the ArkansasRadio.com family of radio stations. Submit your event at
To report a typo, please email newsarkansasradio@gmail.com
Leave a Reply