Calhoun County officials reported Tuesday that the Bunker Fire, which ignited near Highland Industrial Park, is now 35% contained. The fire, originally estimated at 2,338 acres, has been reduced to roughly 1,398 acres thanks to an aggressive multi‑agency effort.
State and Guard resources mobilized
Robert Murphy, assistant state forester for fire protection, said improved mapping has helped crews focus their efforts. “We’ve got crews still working on it,” Murphy said, noting that air resources are being used on the north side of the fire while bulldozers tackle the southern flank.
The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate resources and monitor conditions. The Arkansas National Guard dispatched equipment and aircraft to the Camden and Hampton areas, including two UH‑60 Black Hawk helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets for aerial water drops.
Local fire departments on the front lines
Camden Fire Department joined the response early Tuesday. Chief Jeremy Covington explained that a task force unit was assigned to protect structures in Locust before being relieved. “We’ve got crews out at the airport fueling tankers and air tankers and helicopters for water drops. They’ll be doing that all day,” he added.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders directed the 77th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade to send the helicopters, which departed for the Camden area around 7 a.m. Ground crews received bulldozers, a fire plow and equipment operators to support suppression efforts.
Evacuations and road closures
Evacuations began Monday for homes north of Arkansas Highway 278, spanning Calhoun Road 10 to Calhoun Road 95. Roadblocks were established on Arkansas 274 at Spectra, Arkansas 203 at Huddle (southbound traffic halted), and Arkansas 274 at New Hope Cemetery (westbound traffic stopped). U.S. 278 east from the Ouachita County line to Hampton remained open.
Southern Arkansas University Tech evacuated its campus as conditions worsened, moving resident students to the Camden Fairview High School gymnasium. Chancellor Jerry Thomas thanked first responders and emphasized safety as the top priority.
Community response
East Camden Mayor Angie McAdoo confirmed that East Camden was not evacuated and was not in immediate danger. She praised the fire departments for their long hours in extreme conditions and added, “We are praying for all the responders fighting the fire today. Those extreme conditions are so dangerous.”
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture urged residents, landowners and volunteer fire departments to remain vigilant, report wildfires promptly, observe county burn bans, and consider participation in the Firewise USA program.
Looking ahead
Officials expect the containment effort to continue as crews work the fire’s perimeter and protect additional structures. The coordinated response showcases the dedication of state, Guard and local personnel in safeguarding Arkansas families and property.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
