Burn Bans Lifted Throughout the State
Much-needed rain throughout the state allowed several counties, including Benton and Washington to lift their burn bans, effective immediately.
“Conditions are moist enough that we no longer need to have a burn ban,” said Fayetteville Fire Chief David Dayringer.
Recent rainfall does not mean the drought is over, but if tropical storm Isaac’s remnants wash over Arkansas this week, more rain would help end the drought.
“According to the National Weather Service’s data, we need 10-12 inches of rain to be totally out of the drought,” said Robert McGowen with Benton County Emergency Management.
Some counties within the state are even allowing fireworks to be set off for Labor Day weekend. Fireworks were banned for much of the area during the dry July 4th holiday.
Fayetteville is one place people can shoot fireworks.
“Fireworks can be used from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Monday, Labor Day only,” Dayringer said.
Other places, including Benton County, do not have ordinances banning fireworks, unless the ground is dry.
“In Benton County, there’s no requirement of when you can’t shoot them unless they’re not under a ban,” said Benton County Fire Marshal, Marc Trollinger. “Hopefully people would, if they’re going to do that, would limit it to Labor Day weekend, that seems to be the consensus of what people are doing right now.”
Even though Washington County has lifted its burn ban, the county has issued a Red Flag Warning and is urging people to be careful.
Benton and Washington County residents are required to call their local fire departments or dispatch centers to request burn permits.
If a burn ban is re-issued, Benton County will issue statements via local news media and through The Benton County Alert Notification System known as BC Alert. The BC Alert system can deliver important alerts, notifications, and updates to your phone, email, or text device. Benton County citizens can sign up at www.bcalert.com for alerts and notifications.
Local agencies advise checking with your city or town before setting off fireworks.
Lifted burn bans mean controlled burns are once again permitted but you must first call your local fire department or dispatch center to request a burn permit.
For the latest updates on burn bans in Arkansas visit the Forestry Commission’s website at http://www.arkfireinfo.org/
