NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — With no rain coming anytime soon, we will keep seeing the fire danger in Arkansas continue to go up.
As of Friday night, we currently have 15 counties under a burn ban, but even if you aren't under a burn ban yet, the dry conditions could put you at risk.
"We currently are under an extreme watch since it is so dry," said North Little Rock Fire Captain Gary Williams.
Although there's not a burn ban currently issued in Pulaski County just yet, Captain Williams said it could happen if we don't get some rain soon.
"We try to keep our eyes on those things. Sometimes people try to burn and clear the yard or what have you, and it tends to get away from you," Williams described.
On Friday, North Little Rock firefighters worked to put out a fire on a deck and the dry conditions could be to blame.
Williams said that should serve as a reminder to not let your guard down and always have a safety plan.
"You may be outside grilling, enjoying the weather, the nighttime weather. Just always keep an extinguishing agent, be it an extinguisher water hose, or garden hose," Williams described.
Robert Murphy with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture said the state's drought monitor has been increasing. Right now, more than 70% of the state is either abnormally dry or in a severe drought.
However, Murphy also said that's not surprising.
"Fall is generally a drier time of the year for us, you look at rainfall totals and what month we get our rain in. Generally, September and October, even into the first couple of weeks in November, are usually a pretty dry period of time for us," Murphy explained.
Most of the burn bans are in Northwest Arkansas, but a lot of other counties are under high and extreme wildfire danger.
"It's important when people see those burn bans, don't just disregard them," he added.
Even if you don't have a burn ban where you live, he encourages you to be extra cautious.
"You can have a fire pile this weekend that you think is out, and the winds pick up, and the winds can rekindle those embers, and have it, you know, spotted out and, and start a wildfire. So it's important to pay attention to that kind of stuff," Murphy said.