Fire Concerns Continue in the Ozarks

With most of the Ozarks now having been rain free for almost a month, more area officials are cautioning against any outdoor burning with the dry conditions.

In northern Arkansas, Marion County joins surround Lakes Region Counties Boone, Carroll, Madison, Newton, and Searcy in issuing a burn ban. County Judge Jason Stump issued the ban on Tuesday pointing out the continuing dry conditions increasing the risk of fires spreading. 

Many communities in both Arkansas and Missouri have issued bun bans.

The Buffalo National River recently issued guidelines for outdoor burning, banning it in areas that do not have a fire ring or grate or in areas of high vegetation. 

Cody Norris, Public Affairs Officer for the Mark Twain National Forest, tells Ozarks First that with more people outside during this time of year for the fall foliage, the number of dry leaves on the ground can cause a fire to spread quickly with even a small spark.

While some light rain is in the forecast for late this week,  the National Weather Service says that changing patterns could bring favorable conditions for precipitation later next week.