Helpful tips from AFC to prevent fire damage | News

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Without rain in the forecast, the Arkansas Forestry Commission is recommending extreme caution to help prevent fire damage during the holiday weekend.

AFC says they suppressed 21 wildfires that burned 915 acres over the weekend. Eight homes and outbuildings were threatened.

43 of the 75 counties in Arkansas are under burn bans: Cleveland, Cleburne, Jefferson, Conway, Lincoln, Faulkner, Perry, Pulaski, Howard, Van Buren, Montgomery, White, Pike, Polk, Scott, Baxter, Yell, Fulton, Independence, Marion, Lonoke, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Hempstead, Nevada, Ouachita, Union, Clark, Dallas, Garland, Saline, Boone, Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Sebastian, Grant, Clay, Ashley and Pope.

Here are some helpful tips from AFC to help prevent fire damage:

1) Pay attention to burn bans and fire conditions available via radio, TV or websites. While, burn bans are posted at www.arkansasfireinfo.org, the list may not be complete. Contact your county judge's offices for specifics in your area.

2) Burning is strongly discouraged on days where humidity levels have dropped below 30 percent and winds are gusty. Fires can spread quickly in these conditions!

3) Be mindful that sparks from lawn mowers and hay baling equipment can start fires.

4) Never park vehicles where grass or other vegetation can touch the exhaust system.

5) Never discard cigarettes from vehicles.

6) If you light fireworks, have a fire extinguisher available.