Calhoun County, Arkansas – Fire crews and Arkansas National Guard personnel are continuing efforts to contain a wildfire in Calhoun County after the blaze burned more than 2,600 acres of forest in just a few days.
The fire started Monday, Sept. 14, and had burned approximately 2,638 acres by Wednesday, according to the state wildfire map. The fire was reported to be 65% contained at that time, although crews continued working to keep it from spreading.
The response has also expanded beyond traditional firefighting efforts. On Sept. 15, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders ordered two Arkansas National Guard Black Hawk helicopters and two bulldozers to assist with containment operations.
The helicopters have already played a significant role in the response. Guard officials said the two aircraft had dropped more than 48,000 gallons of water on the fire as of Wednesday.
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The bulldozers are being used as part of the ground response, while firefighters and other personnel continue working to strengthen containment efforts around the affected area. The combination of aircraft and heavy equipment gives crews additional tools as they deal with the large wildfire.
One concern is the fire’s location near Highland Industrial Park in Camden. The industrial park covers about 19,000 acres and is home to several companies involved in the manufacture of missiles and rockets.
Because the fire is moving toward the industrial area, officials are closely monitoring conditions and coordinating the response among multiple agencies.
The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management has also increased its level of response. The State Emergency Operations Center has been moved to Level 1, which represents full activation.
That change allows agencies to coordinate in real time as the situation develops. Officials can share information and adjust their response as fire conditions change.
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The wildfire has prompted a coordinated effort involving the Arkansas Forest Division, the Arkansas National Guard and emergency management officials. With thousands of acres already affected, crews are continuing to work both from the ground and from the air.
The state wildfire map showed the blaze at 65% containment as of Wednesday, but officials continued response operations because of the fire’s size and its proximity to the Highland Industrial Park.
The use of Black Hawk helicopters, bulldozers and other firefighting resources is expected to remain an important part of the containment effort while crews work to prevent the fire from spreading farther across Calhoun County.
