LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AFC) -- Wildfire activity during March usually outnumbers that of any other month of the year for Arkansas, and we expect this year to be no different. More than 800 acres have burned this week in forested and non-forested areas across the state. Three Burn Bans have been declared by County Judges and the AFC has put most of the state under moderate fire danger. Homeowners are urged to use safe burning practices as they take advantage of the Spring burning season.
"Landowners should use fire as safely as possible, just as we do during controlled burns across Arkansas. County crews and many of our partner agencies have successfully and safely burned areas this week, by adhering to strict prescribed burning protocols. We are all in this together," said Joe Fox, State Forester.
January and February wildfire activity for 2014 is significantly greater than recorded activity for the same time last year; in fact February wildfire statistics tripled from 2013. Homeowners should also know that 48% of wildfires recorded in 2014 have been on non-forested land – which means that open pastureland and grassy areas are just as much of a safety consideration for your burning plans. Wildfires are a threat to both forested and non-forested areas.
Homeowners can use the following Controlled Fire Safety Tips when planning to burn:
· Always check current and predicted weather conditions: Humidity should be above 30%-40% and wind gusts should be below 5 mph before you burn.
· Call your local fire department or AFC crew to find out if conditions are suitable, and to report your burn. Report large controlled burns to the AFC Dispatch Center at: 1-800-830-8015.
· Choose a location for your fire away from structures and urban areas, away from other flammable vegetation (including dead grass and leaves), and away from sloped areas.
· Construct a fire break around your burn site. The fire break should be carved down to bare soil so that an actual barrier is created between your fire and the surrounding vegetation.
· If you are burning trash in a barrel, place a heavy, wired screen over the top of it.
· Always stay with your fires, never leave open flames unattended.
· Keep tools such as rakes, shovels, and a reliable water hose close to your burn.
· Plan to re-check your burn even after flames have been extinguished to look for re-kindling.
Contact the AFC to conduct controlled burns on your private land. Your local AFC contacts can be found at www.forestry.arkansas.gov. To report a wildfire, or inquire about wildfire danger, call the AFC Dispatch Center at 1-800-468-8834. To report an emergency, dial 911. Stay updated on AFC updates and warnings at www.arkfireinfo.org or facebook.com/ArkansasForestryCommission.
