Arkansas dry, five counties enact burn bans

Five counties are under burn bans and more than 97 percent of the state is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought conditions, the Arkansas Forestry Commission and U.S. drought monitor said Wednesday.

Burn bans are in:

■ Cleburne, County

■ Conway County

■ Perry County ■ Searcy County

■ Van Buren County

The Forestry Commission said drought conditions and weather forecasts for low humidity and periodic gusty winds could create wildfire danger through the Thanksgiving weekend. Residents should avoid outdoor burning and grilling altogether if winds exceed 5-10 mph, the agency said.

Arkansas Forestry Commission bulldozer crews will be on high alert through the holiday weekend. The commission’s pilots will assist by flying wildfire detection routes until the danger decreases.

Anyone can report wildfires to the commission’s dispatch center by calling (800) 468-8834 The center is staffed 24 hours a day.

Arkansas has had what the agency called “low wildfire activity” over the past four years.

Last weekend, similar conditions resulted in 54 wildfires on 502 acres.

A list of county burn bans is available at www.arkfireinfo. org/.

Drought reports from the U.S. drought monitor are available at bit.ly/2ytDW7n.

A list of safety tips for burning is available at bit. ly/2BerTw9.