Arkansas Forestry personnel deployed to support Oklahoma wildfires, Tennessee storm recovery

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has authorized the deployment of Arkansas Department of Agriculture forestry personnel to assist with wildfire suppression efforts in Oklahoma and urban tree recovery operations in Tennessee.Six wildland firefighters are being deployed to eastern Oklahoma for approximately two weeks to assist with ongoing wildfire suppression. Strong winds, low humidity and above-average temperatures have increased wildfire risk across the South Central United States, prompting activation of the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact on Feb. 17. The compact allows participating state forestry agencies to share personnel and resources when wildfire activity exceeds local response capacity.

The Arkansas crew will focus on initial attack and rapid suppression of new wildfires to prevent further spread. The department is also sending four bulldozers and two pickup trucks to support operations.

In Tennessee, three urban forestry personnel will assist communities recovering from recent ice storms. The team will join an Urban Forest Strike Team, a specialized group of certified arborists, foresters and urban forestry experts mobilized to support communities following natural disasters.

The strike team provides assistance including tree damage and risk assessments, hazard mitigation planning, and technical expertise and training. Arkansas personnel previously participated in a strike team deployment in December 2024 following tornadoes in the state, when teams from multiple Southern states provided assistance.

While personnel are deployed to neighboring states, the department continues monitoring conditions in Arkansas. Elevated fire risk remains across western and northwestern portions of the state, with all counties in northern Arkansas classified at high or moderate wildfire risk. Several counties have issued burn bans.

Local wildfire response capabilities will remain fully staffed and operational, with resources positioned to protect Arkansas communities.

The department urges residents to avoid outdoor burning, including activities involving open flames such as fireworks, campfires, trash burning, open-flame grilling and prescribed burns. Officials also advise residents to avoid operating machinery in dry grass, ensure trailer chains do not drag on the ground and avoid driving on flat tires.

Smoke or fire sightings should be reported to 1-800-468-8834. Residents are encouraged to monitor conditions through the department’s county-by-county wildfire risk map and social media channels.

Dry and windy conditions are expected to continue, and residents are urged to take precautions to protect lives, property and natural resources.

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