Burn ban issued for Sebastian County
A burn ban has been issued in Sebastian County due to hot weather with a lack of rainfall, County Judge David Hudson reported Monday.
The ban prohibits burning outdoors of trash, debris, brush or other materials while conditions are extremely hot and dry.
More: Fort Smith EMS responds to heat-related emergencies
"We urge all citizens to work together to protect the lives and property, themselves, their families, and neighbors," Hudson said. "The burning ban will stay in existence until sufficient rain has reduced the fire hazard."
Sebastian County has not had significant rainfall in over a month, and the forecast shows several more days of triple-digit heat with no rain through Sunday.
The high temperature each day is expected to be near or above 100 degrees with higher heat indices.
"Lawns, fields and wooded areas are exceptionally dry and the flashpoint for outdoor fires is unusually low. Without any significant rain, conditions will continue to dry out vegetation and spread fire more quickly," Hudson reported Monday.
Winds can make wildfires hard to contain and pose a hazard to firefighters who battle outdoor blazes in dry, hot weather.
The fine for violators of the ban could be $25 to $300.
"We solicit and appreciate the support of everyone during this time and would request additional caution and good judgment be used by smokers and that smoking material be extinguished in an ash tray or safe container rather than be discarded along our roads and highways," Hudson reported.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Burn ban issued in Sebastian County, Arkansas
