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LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Arkansas Rural and Volunteer Firefighters Association have rescheduled the 2026 Rural Fire Show to Saturday, December 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Conway Expo and Event Center. The event, traditionally held in early October, has been postponed due to increased wildfire activity across the state. Rescheduling to December ensures that rural and volunteer fire departments can remain fully available for response efforts during this period of heightened wildfire risk. The Rural Fire Show is a free annual event that recognizes Arkansas firefighters and their families

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Arkansas has activated the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact to support ongoing suppression efforts as prolonged drought and worsening weather conditions continue to elevate wildfire activity statewide. Since August 1, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has responded to more than 500 wildfires impacting over 11,000 acres. Since the beginning of the year, the Department has responded to 1,457 wildfires impacting over 37,000 acres. Department foresters and rangers have been working extended hours to protect communities, property, and forestlands. “Arkansas has seen a string of wildfires across our state these past few months, and

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging Arkansans to stay alert as wildfire danger continues to rise across the state. All 75 counties are now designated at a high wildfire risk, and more than 65 counties have active burn bans. Persistent drought and extremely dry vegetation have created conditions where fires can ignite easily, spread quickly, and become difficult to control. Wildfire risk levels are determined using current fuel dryness, drought indicators, and long‑range weather forecasts. Unattended campfires, debris burning, and other outdoor flame sources can escape containment in moments. Recommended Precautions To help reduce

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has extended the application deadline for the Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program and the Southeast Arkansas Hardwood Reforestation Program. Applications for both cost‑share programs will now be accepted through August 28, 2026. Southern Pine Beetle Prevention ProgramThe Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program assists landowners with thinning overstocked pine stands to reduce the risk of southern pine beetle outbreaks. The southern pine beetle is recognized as the most damaging forest pest in the South, and proactive management remains the most effective method of prevention. Many of these management activities qualify for

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Arkansans can now see where wildfires are burning and how the state is responding, as it happens. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has launched a new active wildfire dashboard that provides real-time information on wildfires the Department is currently responding to. The dashboard is available here and offers the public a clearer, more accessible view of wildfire activity across the state. The dashboard displays current wildfire totals, current acreage affected, year‑to‑date wildfire totals, and year‑to‑date acreage. It also provides details for individual wildfires, including their general location and acreage. Arkansas is home to more than

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging Arkansans to stay alert as wildfire risk increases across the state. The Department has designated all 75 counties at moderate wildfire risk, and 30 counties are under burn bans issued by county judges. The National Interagency Fire Center’s Predictive Services forecasts above normal significant fire potential developing across southern and eastern Arkansas during August. Abnormally dry conditions covered 92 percent of Arkansas on August 4, up from 82 percent one week earlier. As fuels dry out, the risk that a small fire escapes containment rises sharply. Fires that

LITTLE ROCK, AR —  The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for wildland fire suppression kits through October 2, 2026. Applications can be submitted online here. Through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, the Department will distribute 70 wildland fire suppression kits to rural volunteer fire departments across Arkansas this year. Since 2014, more than 898 kits have been provided to strengthen local wildfire response capabilities. “Rural volunteer fire departments are vital partners in protecting Arkansas communities,” said State Forester Kyle Cunningham. “These firefighters know their landscapes and their quick action is often the first line