As severe drought continues to impact Arkansas and stiff fines, or penalties will be issued to those violating the conditions of the active burn bans.
Bans were issued following the Independence Day holiday and are still in place.
According to Highland Fire Chief Myles Clem, when conditions are dry and humidity is low, fire can spread rapidly and potentially result in damage to not only the immediate area but surrounding areas as well.
“A wildfire can move up to 14 miles an hour and every 30 seconds, the fire doubles in size,” Clem said. “The burn ban also includes burn barrels and burn pits. The ban means all fires that are considered open burning, which is burning of any matter in such a manner that the products of combustion resulting from the burning are emitted directly into ambient air without passing through a stack or flue. The reason for that is the ash could be hot enough to start a fire somewhere else.”
When asked if grilling was included in the ban, Clem said it can be a bit of a gray area, but ultimately in the current weather conditions, it is better to be safe than sorry.
“With that definition of open burning, a grill with a smokestack should be fine, however; disposing of coals can still subject the individual to a fine.”
According to Sharp County Chief Deputy Aaron Presser, anyone caught violating the burn ban will be issued a citation.
“We will enforce the burn ban in full force to include any outdoor burning. This includes the shooting of fireworks, Presser said adding citations have already been issued recently for violation of the burn ban.
According to Cherokee Village Fire Chief Kal Dienst, there is a moderate wildfire danger in place for Sharp, Izard and Fulton Counties.
“Humidity is the key in fire weather and wind lowers humidity. This is why we don’t typically have many fires and if we do they aren’t crazy. When the humidity is around 30 percent or lower, there is a high alert. The biggest danger in firefighter safety in high temperatures,” Dienst said.
Although humidity levels presently remain above 30 percent, the lack of precipitation continues to tax the land.
Unlawful burning is a class A misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to $1,000.
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