Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has authorized the deployment of Arkansas Department of Agriculture forestry personnel to assist with wildfire suppression in Oklahoma and storm recovery efforts in Tennessee.
Six wildland firefighters will deploy to eastern Oklahoma for approximately two weeks to assist with ongoing wildfire suppression. The deployment comes after strong winds, low humidity, and above-average temperatures increased wildfire risk across the South Central United States, prompting activation of the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact on February 17. Arkansas is also sending four bulldozers and two pick-up trucks to support operations.
Additionally, three urban forestry personnel will deploy to Tennessee to assist communities recovering from recent ice storms. The crew will join an Urban Forest Strike Team, a specialized group of certified arborists and foresters mobilized to assist communities after natural disasters.
“No one stands alone when it comes to responding to disasters,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Arkansas is proud to join forces with states across the region in Oklahoma and Tennessee to support wildfire suppression and storm recovery.”
“Our teams bring specialized skills and equipment to support communities in need,” said Arkansas State Forester Kyle Cunningham. “Whether it’s assisting with wildfire suppression in Oklahoma or helping Tennessee communities recover after storms, these deployments show how sharing knowledge and resources across state lines strengthens the entire region.”
While assisting neighboring states, the Department continues to monitor conditions in Arkansas. Elevated fire risk remains across western and northwestern Arkansas, with all counties in the northern part of the state currently classified at high or moderate wildfire risk. Several counties have issued burn bans.
Local wildfire response capabilities will remain fully staffed and operational, with resources strategically positioned to protect Arkansas communities.
The Department urges residents to avoid outdoor burning, use equipment carefully in dry conditions, report fires immediately by calling 1-800-468-8834, and stay informed by monitoring conditions at agriculture.arkansas.gov.
