Wildfire risk high for much of Arkansas, forecasters say

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(AP) _ State forestry officials say the risk for wildfires remains high throughout Arkansas as dry conditions persist.The Arkansas Forestry Commission says firefighters have suppressed more than 100 wildfires since Thanksgiving. Those fires have burned a total of more than 1,800 acres (728 hectares) throughout the state, and officials say that number doesn’t include fires that have burned in state parks or national forests.

About half of Arkansas’ 75 counties are currently under burn bans. The National Weather Service in Little Rock says rainfall since Sept. 1 is between 5 inches and 10 inches below average, which is causing drought conditions in much of the state.

Forecasters say some areas could see isolated thunderstorms Wednesday, but the wildfire risk will persist because of the dry conditions.

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