Burn ban in effect for much of Arkansas

Crittenden County latest county to issue safety advisory

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

If it isn’t tornadoes causing havoc, it’s _res. Last week, eastern Arkansas saw a series of wild_res sweep through the area, forcing temporary highway closures as state and local authorities scrambled to get the situation under control. Across Arkansas, more than 54 wild_res broke out, leaving communities on edge and of_cials urging residents to be cautious.

While Crittenden County is was still listed as “low risk” for _res up until Tuesday, of_cials upgraded to a ban later that day, given the dry conditions and high _re activity in the surrounding areas.

County Judge Woody Wheeless issued the ban about 2 p.m. yesterday.

“Crittenden County has been place under a burn ban,” said Wheeless. “The ban will remain in effect until we receive a measurable ran. Please refrain from any open burning. If you have any questions, contact me at 870-739-3200.”

In Arkansas, the issuance of burn bans is the duty of each of the state’s 75 county judges.

Much of the state of Arkansas is now under a burn ban.

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Forestry Division