Camden, Arkansas – Fire crews and emergency agencies are continuing to battle a large fire near Camden’s Highland Industrial Park after flames spread across roughly 200 acres in the area.
The fire started during the afternoon of September 14 near the industrial park, which is home to major defense-related operations, including a General Dynamics plant. By Monday night, officials estimated that about 200 acres had burned.
Camden firefighters, along with crews from nearby agencies, have been working since then to contain the fire and protect nearby communities and facilities. The location of the blaze has added another level of concern because of its proximity to important defense operations.
The situation has also drawn attention from federal officials. Because the fire is burning near key defense facilities, the response has reached the White House and the Pentagon. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said federal and state officials are closely monitoring developments.
The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center Tuesday morning. The center is helping officials track the fire, assess immediate threats to communities and infrastructure, and provide support to firefighters working in the area.
The fire has also forced evacuations. Residents in areas considered at risk were told to leave as emergency crews continued their work, while authorities closed portions of Highway 203 and Highway 274.
Those road closures are intended to help residents get out safely while also giving firefighters and other emergency personnel more room to operate. Traffic continues to be diverted around the affected sections.
Several evacuation shelters have been made available for people who were displaced by the fire.
Southern Arkansas University Tech evacuated people from its campus and moved them to the gym at Camden Fairview High School. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office also opened shelters at two churches and the Hampton High School library.
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Officials continue to monitor the situation as crews work to bring the fire under control. The State Emergency Operations Center is also expected to remain involved as authorities evaluate conditions and determine what additional resources may be needed.
With the fire near a major defense industry hub and infrastructure in the surrounding area, emergency officials are coordinating efforts at the local, state and federal levels while firefighters continue their response.
