Arkansas Drought Heightens Fire Risk, Lowers Lake Levels

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says boaters should be careful on Arkansas lakes as a drought lowers water levels, and foresters say outdoor burning should be avoided to reduce the risk of wildfires.

The Corps said water levels at Lake Greeson, DeGray Lake and Lake Ouachita are falling because of high temperatures, little rainfall and hydroelectric production. Officials encourage boaters to have a designated lookout while traveling.

“A lot of the shoreline is exposed and a lot of mountain tops either just above or just below the surface. Most of these hazards are marked, but it still takes the extra caution to maneuver through these obstacles,” said Brian Westfall, a natural resources specialist with the Lake Ouachita Project Management Office.

The local electric utility said recent hot weather required it to produce power, which lowered lake levels more than expected. Milder temperatures should help keep lake levels steadier, as water won’t be needed for hydroelectric purposes, said Ted Smethers, a senior technical support specialist for Entergy Arkansas.

Meanwhile, more than four-fifths of the state has some form of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Forecasters say it could be the weekend before parts of Arkansas see a major rainfall. The Arkansas Forestry Commission says southern Arkansas has an “extreme” fire danger while northern Arkansas has a high risk.

About 15 acres of woodland burned south of Little Rock on Oct. 19 after a tire fire spread. Seven fire departments responded and the Arkansas Forestry Commission dispatched two bulldozers and two air tankers. Three cars and a barn were destroyed, the agency said.

Fred Pinkerton said on cool nights, he often sees men lighting fires near where the blaze started.

“It was cool last night, and if there was someone out there — they stand around and talk — they’re going to warm themselves with a fire. And they had burned tires before just for that purpose, and I am a witness to that,” he said.