Governor Sanders Activates Interstate Compact in Response to Wildfire Danger Statewide

The continuing threat of wildfires has led Arkansas officials to seek help in combating the ongoing threat.

The full release below is from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture:

Arkansas has activated the South Central Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact to support ongoing suppression efforts as prolonged drought and worsening weather conditions continue to elevate wildfire activity statewide. Since August 1, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has responded to more than 500 wildfires impacting over 11,000 acres. Since the beginning of the year, the Department has responded to 1,457 wildfires impacting over 37,000 acres. Department foresters and rangers have been working extended hours to protect communities, property, and forestlands.

“Arkansas has seen a string of wildfires across our state these past few months, and we’re grateful to our friends across the South for the support they’re providing us in the fight,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “The resources our partners provide will be instrumental as our foresters, rangers, and National Guardsmen work long days and nights to protect Arkansans’ homes and businesses."

“Governor Sanders has been actively engaged as we respond to high wildfire danger throughout the state including marshalling additional resources from multiple partners across the country to fight the large fire in Camden over the past week,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Her quick and decisive action has been instrumental in supporting our crews on the ground and protecting critical industries and residential communities statewide.”

“Wildfire activity has grown significantly under current conditions, and our crews have been working around the clock to keep Arkansans safe,” said State Forester Kyle Cunningham. “We are grateful for the support from our partner states and proud to participate in a compact that ensures resources can move quickly when any state in the region needs assistance.”

The compact, administered by the Southern Group of State Foresters, provides a longstanding mutual‑aid framework that allows participating states to efficiently mobilize personnel, equipment, and other resources when wildfire activity exceeds a state’s capacity.

Interstate forest fire compacts strengthen wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response by enabling states to share wildland firefighting resources during periods of increased activity. Arkansas proudly offers the same support to other member states facing heightened wildfire conditions. Earlier this year, Arkansas filled 19 requests to assist with out‑of‑state wildfires.

Five wildfire task force teams from Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina are being deployed to Arkansas. These teams consist of dozers, engines, and additional personnel who will support Arkansas’ field staff throughout the state.

Under Governor Sanders’ leadership, the state has coordinated resources from the Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas Department of Transportation, Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas State Police, and federal resources from the U.S. Department of War, U.S. Department of the Interior, and U.S. Forest Service in response to recent wildfires. Arkansas has also received out‑of‑state wildfire support from the Mississippi National Guard and the Oklahoma National Guard.