2025 Arkansas wildfires

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2025 Arkansas wildfires

The 2025 Arkansas wildfires are a series of active wildfires currently ongoing in Arkansas.

Contents

Background

Arkansas experiences two main wildfire seasons each year. The late winter–early spring season typically occurs from February through April, when dry dormant vegetation, low humidity, and gusty winds contribute to rapid fire spread. Seasonal rains and new vegetation growth usually bring this period to a close by late spring. [1]

The late summer–fall season generally spans August through November, when hot, dry weather and accumulated leaf litter create favorable conditions for ignition. This season often peaks in October and November, coinciding with harvest activities, prescribed burns, and increased outdoor debris burning. [2]

Wildfires in Arkansas can occur year-round, especially during periods of drought or when human-caused ignition sources are present. While Arkansas does not maintain a permanent statewide burn-permit requirement, burn bans may be issued at the county level when fire danger is high. The Arkansas Forestry Division encourages landowners to consult local fire officials before conducting any outdoor burning. [3]

List of wildfires

The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), produced significant structural damage, or resulted in casualties.

NameCountyAcresStart dateContainment date [a] Notes/Ref
Blackburn Crawford 1,169March 17March 21 [5]
Neal Creek Pulaski 1,910March 17March 18 [6]
2025 Arkansas wildfires
Perimeters of wildfires in Arkansas during 2025 (Red: >1000 acres) (map data)

See also

Notes

  1. Containment means that fire crews have established and secured control lines around the fire's perimeter. These lines are artificial barriers, like trenches or cleared vegetation, designed to stop the fire's spread, or natural barriers like rivers. Containment reflects progress in managing the fire but does not necessarily mean the fire is starved of fuel, under control, or put out. [4]

References

  1. "Wildfire in Arkansas". Arkansas Forestry Division. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  2. "Wildland Fire Season". U.S. Forest Service – Ouachita National Forest. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  3. "Burn Bans". Arkansas Forestry Division. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  4. "What containment and other wildfire related terms mean". Los Angeles: KCAL-TV. September 12, 2024. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  5. "Blackburn Fire Map". Watch Duty. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  6. ""Out of control" fire in Pulaski Co. causes evacuations in area". THV11. March 17, 2025. Retrieved March 19, 2025.