October 23, 2024 — With continued dry conditions and heightened fire danger, federal land agencies in Arkansas have implemented burn bans to protect public safety and preserve natural resources. These bans include restrictions on campfires and open burning at popular outdoor destinations such as the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, as well as Buffalo National River.
1. Buffalo National River Fire Ban
The National Park Service has instituted a fire ban at Buffalo National River, which includes all campfires, charcoal grills, and wood-burning stoves, effective immediately. The ban applies to both developed campgrounds and backcountry sites throughout the park. The restrictions are in response to extremely dry conditions, which have significantly increased the risk of wildfires. Visitors are advised to use only gas or propane stoves for cooking during this time.
2. Ouachita National Forest Restrictions
The Ouachita National Forest, which spans across western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, has also enacted fire restrictions. As of the latest update, campfires, charcoal grills, and wood-burning stoves are prohibited in all areas of the forest. Only gas and propane cooking devices are permitted. The Forest Service emphasizes that these measures are necessary to prevent potential wildfires, particularly given the high temperatures and lack of precipitation in the region.
3. Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Alert
The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest has similarly announced a ban on open fires, citing prolonged drought conditions. The restrictions include all campfires and outdoor burning, even in developed campsites with designated fire rings. Like other federal lands, gas stoves are allowed, but the use of flammable materials is otherwise strictly regulated to prevent any accidental ignitions.
Impact on Outdoor Recreation and Visitor Safety
These burn bans are critical to reducing the risk of wildfires that could threaten wildlife habitats, recreation areas, and nearby communities. Visitors to these federal lands are encouraged to plan accordingly, adhering strictly to the rules in place. Officials from the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service are asking the public to remain vigilant, report any signs of fire, and respect the bans to ensure everyone’s safety and to protect Arkansas’s natural landscapes during this high-risk period.
For more information, and updates, or to check the status of these restrictions, visitors can access detailed alerts from the official websites of the Buffalo National River, Ouachita National Forest, and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.
More information on Arkansas Burn Bans.
2 Responses
Is the burn ban still active for the Buffalo river?
It looks like the Burn Ban is in all counties containing the Buffalo National River with the exception of Baxter County which is only a small part. We haven’t heard anything else from the BNR so I would assume it’s still on.