Photo courtesy of U.S. Drought Monitor
With the dry conditions continuing and slim rain chances for this week, the Twin Lakes Area is experiencing an elevated wildfire danger. The National Weather Service is reporting dry weather will continue over the region combined with elevated south winds, at 5 to 15 miles-per-hour, lowering afternoon relative humidity and long-term dry fuel levels. Wind gusts may be higher than 15 miles-per- hour in some spots.
The Arkansas Forestry Commission reports burn bans are currently in effect for Fulton, Searcy, Stone and Boone Counties. A burn ban has also been issued for the city of Cotter by Fire Chief Cory Swartz. In addition, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows the majority of north central Arkansas and southern Missouri is under severe drought conditions because rainfall is five to 10+ inches below average. The National Weather Service has also issued a red flag warning until 7:00 Monday evening for Ozark, Douglas and Taney Counties in southern Missouri meaning critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will shortly.
Several brush fires have been reported throughout Monday by Baxter County emergency officials. Baxter and Marion Counties are currently not under a burn ban, but Baxter County Judge Mickey Pendergrass says local residents should avoid burning if at all possible.
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Those who might see a wildfire are asked to contact their local fire departments and the Arkansas Forestry Commission at 1-800-468-8834.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Drought Monitor
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