Wheeless lifts countywide burn ban

Recent rains put an end to long local dry spell, potential wildfire conditions

ralphhardin@gmail.com After several weeks of highs in the 90s and tripledigit heat indices, enough rain has fallen to make County Judge Woody Wheeless feel conditions no longer warrant a burn ban in the county.

“Crittenden County was blessed over the weekend with rain, especially yesterday where several inches fell countywide,” Wheeless announced last week. “ At this time, I’ve lifted the burn ban.”

While the much needed rain did its job and brought some vital moisture to the area, reducing the risk of wildfires, Wheeless did caution to remain vigilant and alert when working outdoors with fire.

“If you burn, please have a garden hose close in the event the fire were to spread, said Wheeless, who also serves as the Marion Fire Chief. “Practice safety and think about your neighbors before you burn.”

While Crittenden County and many other Arkansas counties have lifted their birn bans following recent rains, many others still have bans in effect. If traveling over the remainder of the summer months, particularly for outdoor camping trips, be aware of local burn ban notices wherever you visit.

Burn bans are issued by county judges in their counties. Check the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Fire Info website (arkfireinfo.org) for up-to date burn bans by county.

Graphic courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture

County Judge Woody Wheeless