Ouachita Fire Department

09/02/2026

While we have seen small amounts of rain across different areas of the county, A BURN BAN remains in effect for Hot Spring County effective until further notice.

08/31/2026

Arkansas remains at an increased risk for wildfire. Sixty‑two counties are currently at high risk, and the remaining 13 are at moderate risk. Burn bans are in effect in 63 counties. Under these conditions, fires can ignite easily, spread quickly, and become serious if not addressed right away. Even small brush fires or campfires can escape.

The public is urged to avoid activities that could unintentionally start a fire and to follow all local burn restrictions. To reduce wildfire risk:

🚫Avoid outdoor debris burning.
🚫Do not discard ci******es outside.
🚫Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.
🚫Use caution with equipment that creates sparks.
🚫Never leave any outdoor flame unattended.

Report wildfire smoke or fire immediately to Forestry Dispatch at 1‑800‑468‑8834.

Stay updated using the Department’s county-by-county wildfire danger map: https://mip.agri.arkansas.gov/agtools/Forestry/Fire_Info

08/28/2026

When burn bans are in place and fire danger is high or extreme, the choices we make outdoors matter. Outdoor debris burning should be avoided entirely, because even a small fire can escape and become a wildfire under dry conditions.

Residents should stay aware of conditions in their area by checking the Department’s county-by-county map: https://mip.agri.arkansas.gov/agtools/Forestry/Fire_Info

Your actions can prevent wildfires and protect the firefighters who respond when one starts.

08/27/2026

We are still under a burn ban at this time. Please no outside burning at all!

08/19/2026

Arkansans can now track where wildfires are burning and how the state is responding in real time. The Department has launched a new active wildfire dashboard that shows current and year‑to‑date wildfire totals, acreage impacted, and details for each incident, including locationand acreage.

As you use the dashboard to stay informed, please remember these important safety guidelines:

• Never approach or investigate a wildfire. Rapidly changing conditions such as intense smoke, heat, falling debris, and unpredictable winds make areas around active fires extremely dangerous.
• Do not fly drones near wildfires. Unauthorized drones ground firefighting aircraft, slow response, distract crews, and create serious airspace hazards.
• Follow all instructions from fire authorities and only enter affected areas once officials confirm it is safe.
• Report wildfires immediately to Forestry Dispatch at 1‑800‑468‑8834.

View the dashboard: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/34991c7fefb64ad7a89cb3905d1c6398 #

08/14/2026

08/14/2026

A BURN BAN has been issued for Hot Spring County effective until further notice.

08/12/2026

In the upcoming days/week, please use caution when you are planning on any outside burning. The weather conditions are not favorable to any recommended fire activity. Please contact us with any questions you may have. Thank you!

07/01/2026

There is a new chief in town!!

We want to congratulate Heath Thomason for becoming the next Fire Chief at OFD. We wish you the best with your upcoming duties. We are hopeful you will do great things ahead and keep the department growing and training to do their best.

We also want to thank Ryan Parish for the many years as Fire Chief for the OFD. The dedication to the department and community have not gone unnoticed. You will be missed greatly and good luck on your future endeavors. We wish you the best!

06/25/2026

Ouachita Fire Department responded to a car fire on I 30 yesterday evening. Thank you to all the first responders that make this worth everything! Southwest Fire and State Police responded as well!