Little Rock – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (ADA) issued a statewide alert on Monday, designating all 75 counties as high‑risk for wildfires. The agency says persistent drought and extremely dry vegetation have created conditions where fires can ignite easily, spread quickly and become difficult to control.

Why the risk is so high

According to the ADA’s release, risk levels are calculated using three key factors: current fuel dryness, drought indicators and long‑range weather forecasts. With the state experiencing a prolonged dry spell, the fuel—grass, leaves and dead wood—has reached a tinder‑dry state, making even a small spark a potential disaster.

What residents can do

The department outlined several simple steps to help reduce the likelihood of a wildfire ignition:

• Avoid all outdoor burning, including campfires, trash burning, grilling with open flames and any prescribed or controlled burns.
• Never leave an outdoor flame unattended.
• Exercise caution when operating machinery near dry vegetation. Do not drive over tall, dry grass, ensure trailer chains are not dragging, and avoid driving on flat tires.
• Properly extinguish and dispose of cigarettes—never discard them outdoors.
• Report any smoke or fire immediately to the department at 1‑800‑468‑8834 or to local authorities.

How to stay informed

Arkansans can monitor current conditions by checking the ADA’s county‑by‑county fire map, viewing active incidents on the wildfire dashboard, and following the department’s updates on social media. The agency also encourages residents to stay aware of local burn bans; more than 65 counties already have active restrictions in place.

Why this matters for Arkansas families

Arkansas is home to more than 18.8 million acres of forest and over 11.5 billion trees. Wildfires not only threaten natural resources but also endanger homes, schools and places of worship that are central to family and community life. By taking simple precautions, families can help protect their neighborhoods, preserve the state’s natural heritage and avoid costly damage.

Looking ahead

The ADA says it will continue to assess conditions daily and will adjust risk levels as weather patterns evolve. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, especially as the summer heat lingers and the forecast calls for continued dry weather.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.