Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Gurdon, Clark County Under Fire Ban

Because of the extremely dry conditions Clark County is under a burn ban until further notice.

Clark County Judge Floyd "Buddy" Manning said it was necessary to put the ban into effect due to the heat, lack of rain and low humidity.

This, he said, makes conditions ideal for fires to get out of control.

So far, though, there have been few fires. One was reported recently on Interstate 30. It was apparently caused by a vehicle, with the median catching fire from a tire or sparks.

There has also been a fire in the eastern part of Clark County and one at De Gray, Manning said, but none have gotten out of control.

Right now, he said, even the green looking grass will burn quickly because there has been no significant rain in nearly a month.

But, he added, people in the county have been cooperative and haven't been burning. This is good, Manning continued, for the emergency people who have to suit up in full gear to fight fires.

When the firemen suit up, supplies have to be kept on hand, he said, to keep them cool. This includes plenty of cold water and iced down towels.

The burn ban will remain in effect, Manning said, until the region gets a significant rainfall and the danger has been reduced.

Clark County is one of 35 counties in Arkansas under a burn ban.