BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Crews responded to several grass fires on I-49 southbound between Elm Springs and Wagon Wheel on Monday, Oct. 7.
According to the Springdale Fire Department (SFD), a fire began around 2:40 p.m. at Mile Marker 74.7 in Benton County, but as of 2:55 p.m., smoke from that fire was no longer seen on the iDrive camera.
However, a second grass fire on I-49 near Wagon Wheel Road in Springdale was reported around 3:05 p.m. The grass fire was impacting southbound traffic for around two hours. At 4:30 p.m., iDrive cameras show stalled traffic from Springdale to Rogers. The Arkansas Department of Transportation reported that the scene was cleared at 5:10 p.m., but traffic was still moving slowly.
Capt. Justin Pinkley with SFD said the fire appeared to have started on I-49 and spread to the area of North 48th Street, but the department is still investigating the exact cause and its point of origin.
Pinkley confirmed multiple structures were involved. SFD confirmed that seven total agencies responded to the scene, and only one person was evaluated for injuries.
SFD Assistant Chief Jim Vaughn said crews concentrated on protecting structures first and then pivoted to fighting the fire, which was declared under control at 4:59 p.m.
Vaugh said dry conditions contributed to how quickly the fire spread.
There are burn bans in effect for several counties in Arkansas, including Benton, Washington, Madison, Crawford, Franklin, Sebastian, Logan, and Johnson, as dry conditions continue.
Stay with 5NEWS for updates.
First grass fire - 2:46 p.m.
Second grass fire - 3:05 p.m.
Traffic at 3:20 p.m.
Smoke spotted near N 48th Street in Springdale
Second grass fire as of 3:36 p.m.
Second grass fire as of 3:50 p.m.
Drone footage of the aftermath
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