The Warren Fire Department issued a warning Friday that it is preparing to begin writing citations to people who violate the current burn ban, with fines set at $500.
The warning comes as wildfire conditions across Bradley County and much of South Arkansas have become extremely dangerous amid prolonged heat and dry weather.
The entire region is under a heat advisory at least through Sunday, with afternoon temperatures expected to reach the triple digits each day. The heat, combined with increasingly dry grass, leaves, brush and timber, can allow even a small spark to quickly develop into a fast-moving fire.
At this point, there is little immediate relief in sight. The earliest chance for rain is Tuesday, when only a 20 percent chance of a shower is currently in the forecast, so don’t go placing any bets on Mother Nature solving the problem anytime soon.
Residents should take the burn ban seriously and avoid any outdoor burning until restrictions are lifted.
Wildfire Prevention Tips
Even when no one intends to start a fire, extremely dry conditions can allow common outdoor activities to ignite grass or brush.
Residents in rural portions of Bradley County should:
- Avoid burning leaves, brush, trash or debris while the burn ban is in effect.
- Be especially careful when operating tractors, bush hogs, chainsaws and other equipment that can create sparks or heat.
- Avoid parking vehicles, ATVs or other equipment over tall, dry grass. Hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.
- Keep equipment in good working order and check for dragging chains or other metal that could strike pavement and create sparks.
- Keep water, a hose or fire extinguisher nearby when working outdoors.
- Remove dry leaves, pine straw, grass and other easily combustible material from around homes, barns and other structures.
- Use extra caution around wooded areas, fields and roadsides where fire can spread rapidly before firefighters arrive.
Wildfire danger is not limited to rural areas. Residents inside Warren, Hermitage and other communities should also take precautions.
In town:
- Do not burn leaves, limbs, trash or other debris.
- Properly extinguish cigarettes and never throw cigarette butts onto the ground or from a vehicle.
- Keep grills on stable, noncombustible surfaces and well away from dry grass, wooden fences, decks and buildings.
- Never leave outdoor cooking unattended.
- Keep yards cleared of excessive dry leaves, pine needles and dead vegetation.
- Use caution with lawn equipment that could strike rocks, metal or other objects and produce sparks.
- Keep access to fire hydrants and driveways clear so firefighters can quickly reach an emergency.
Anyone who sees a fire should report it immediately rather than assuming someone else has already called.
Keep Up With Local Burn Bans on SRN
Saline River News also reminds readers that SRN has one of the most advanced local burn ban warning systems around, providing an easy way for residents to check restrictions without searching through multiple government websites.
The system connects directly with burn ban information reported through the Arkansas forestry system and automatically displays active burn bans near the top of the Saline River News home page.
Readers can quickly see the current burn ban status for Bradley County and surrounding counties, making SRN a convenient place to check conditions before beginning any outdoor activity that could involve fire.
With temperatures reaching the triple digits, vegetation continuing to dry and meaningful rainfall remaining uncertain, residents are urged to use extreme caution.
And in Warren, the warning from the fire department is now especially clear: violating the burn ban could cost you $500.
