The National Weather Service has upgraded Southeast Arkansas to a Red Flag Warning for Friday. Critical fire weather is expected from about 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. across Ashley and Chicot counties, and across Bradley, Drew, Desha, Calhoun and Ouachita counties served by the Little Rock office.
NWS Jackson had carried a Fire Weather Watch for Ashley and Chicot. That watch is now a warning for Friday. Update, Friday 11:19 a.m.: Jackson upgraded Saturday as well. Ashley and Chicot counties are now under a second Red Flag Warning from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
Where the warning applies
- NWS Jackson: Ashley and Chicot counties, including Crossett, Hamburg, Lake Village, Eudora and Dermott.
- NWS Little Rock: Bradley, Drew, Desha, Calhoun and Ouachita counties, including Warren, Hermitage, Monticello, Dumas and McGehee.
- Timing: Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT for both offices. Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT for Ashley and Chicot only.
What forecasters expect
- Wind: North winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph behind a cold front in Ashley and Chicot, per NWS Jackson. NWS Little Rock’s Thursday night update calls for north to northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph in Bradley, Drew, Desha, Calhoun and Ouachita.
- Humidity: Lowest relative humidity about 25 to 40 percent in Ashley and Chicot, and as low as 20 to 30 percent in the Little Rock counties, including Warren, Monticello and Dumas.
- Fuels: Critically dry grass, leaves and brush.
- Impact: Any fire that starts will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
State lists the region at extreme wildfire risk
Update, Thursday night: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture now lists Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew and Lincoln counties at extreme wildfire risk. Calhoun, Jefferson and Ouachita counties are on the same list. The department said Thursday that burn bans are in effect in 50 counties and urged people to skip all outdoor burning, including campfires and open-flame grilling.
- Fires this year: State crews have put out about 1,700 fires covering 39,000 acres so far in 2026, the department said.
- Hunters and campers: The department asks people outdoors to carry water to put out sparks from equipment or muzzleloaders.
- Report a wildfire: Call the Forestry Division at 1-800-468-8834 or local authorities.
- Rison, Star City and Fordyce: NWS Little Rock posted a Special Weather Statement for Cleveland, Lincoln, Jefferson and Dallas counties. It warns of an elevated fire concern Friday, with gusts up to 35 mph and humidity below 40 percent, and asks residents to heed burn bans.
Watch versus warning
A Fire Weather Watch means critical conditions are possible. A Red Flag Warning means those conditions are happening or about to happen. iSEARK.com reported the Ashley and Chicot watch early Thursday in a separate story. Friday’s upgrade raises the threat for Crossett, Lake Village and neighboring counties under Little Rock’s warning.
What residents should do
- Hold off on burning: Put off brush piles, leaf burning and trash fires until winds ease and humidity rises.
- Watch for sparks: Trailer chains, mowers and hot exhaust can start grass fires along roads such as U.S. Highway 82, U.S. Highway 65 and U.S. Highway 278.
- Report smoke fast: Call 911 if you see a fire that is spreading.
- Check local rules: County burn bans can change quickly. Check with county officials before any outdoor burning.
Saturday warning for Ashley and Chicot
NWS Jackson issued the Saturday Red Flag Warning late Friday morning. It replaces the Fire Weather Watch that had been posted for the same hours. The Little Rock office has not extended its warning for Bradley, Drew or Desha counties into Saturday.
- Where: Ashley and Chicot counties, including Crossett, Hamburg, Lake Village, Eudora and Dermott.
- When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT Saturday.
- Wind: North winds around 15 mph with gusts near 25 mph.
- Humidity: Lowest relative humidity about 30 to 35 percent.
- Fuels: Still critically dry. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Conditions can change. Check weather.gov for the latest alerts before outdoor work this weekend.
Primary sources: National Weather Service Jackson and National Weather Service Little Rock Red Flag Warning, Fire Weather Watch and Special Weather Statement products issued Oct. 15 and 16, 2026, and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture release “25 Counties Now at Extreme Wildfire Risk in Arkansas” issued Oct. 15, 2026.
