LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — As the number of days without rain continues to increase in central Arkansas, officials warn those enjoying the great outdoors to be careful.
Tomas Rofkahr with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Little Rock District said one aspect people usually don’t consider is the dangers of being out on a lake during such times.
“There’s not a whole lot of rain falling,” Rofkahr said. “Water levels are a little lower, which can expose hazards in the lake, such as stumps or snags.”
These conditions and other factors have also led to burn bans, which now cover most of the state and all of central Arkansas.
Rofkahr said if you go camping during these bans, you must know it may not be a usual experience.
“When you go camping,” Rofkahr said. “One of the favorite things to do is toast marshmallows, start a fire and enjoy that time outside. We'll probably not get to do that for a little while until Mother Nature decides to bless us with a little more rain.”
So, what can you do under a burn ban?
Rofkahr said, unfortunately, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer.
For example, officials with the Buffalo National River in north Arkansas recently instituted a fire ban, including charcoal grills.
But Rofkahr said the same activity might be OK at another campground in another county, which is also under a burn ban.
“In some cases, burn bans allow you to cook on a non-open flame, like on a charcoal grill or a Coleman stove," Rofkahr said. "It really differs from point to point around the state and around our campgrounds.”
That’s why Rofkahr said there’s no better strategy than to check before you camp.
“Always call ahead to find out how the burn ban is affecting the park that you want to stay at,” Rofkahr said. “That's probably the most important.”
Rofkahr said the best place to start is the project office that manages the lake or campground where you want to stay.