Wildfire Warning in effect

Burn bans going into effect across Arkansas

By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

Even with some minor rain events over the weekend, much of the Mississippi Delta is still under an advisory over the potential for wildfires.

Dry conditions paired with strong seasonal winds have led to county judges in five Arkansas counties to issue burn bans. Although Crittenden County is not among the five, the area is under a Wildfire Warning.

After the National Weather Service issued an Enhanced Wildfire Danger Across the Mid-South, burn bans have expanded in West Tennesssee and North Mississippi. West Memphis Office of Emergency Management director DeWayne Rose released updated warning messages to local residents.

“Caution should be exercised with any outdoor burning,” he said. “Contact your local government or fire control officials for information regarding burn restrictions.”

Burn bans are in effect for Ouachita, Prairie, Union, Yell, and White counties in Arkansas, as well as Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Lafayette, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah, Union, and Yalobusha ounties in Mississippi.

The wildfire alert was issued to all of Eastern Arkansas, West Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Crittenden County, Shelby County and DeSoto County.

Relilef could be on the way, as the extended forecast shows a high chance of rain on Thursday and Friday later this week.