Barton-Lexa Volunteer Fire Department

09/02/2026

🔥Wildfire risk is increased across Arkansas, and the Department of Agriculture is asking residents to stay alert and use caution. Dry weather has made it easier for fires to start and harder to keep them contained, which means even small outdoor fires can spread quickly under the right conditions.

Report wildfires: 1‑800‑468‑8834

Report prescribed burns: 1‑800‑830‑8015

View county risk levels and burn bans: https://mip.agri.arkansas.gov/agtools/Forestry/Fire_Info

View current wildfires: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/34991c7fefb64ad7a89cb3905d1c6398 #

Updates will continue on our official social media channels.

09/02/2026

Burn Ban still in effect

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

09/02/2026

Run report for August 2026

Weather response-1
Structure fire- 2
Medical calls-3
MVA- 1
Damage Assessment-1

This puts us at 108 total calls for service for the year.

08/31/2026

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.

08/31/2026

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

08/31/2026

Barton fire personnel along with Lakeview Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Hwy 44. Upon arrival, a structure that was being demolished had been set on fire. Folks we are STILL UNDER A BURN BAN. No outside burning of any kind is permitted until the ban is lifted which will probably not be anytime soon. And yes , citations were issued by law enforcement today and will be continued to be issued until the ban is lifted.

08/22/2026

Update: Road is back open.

Trees down on 49 near MFA, westbound lanes are blocked. Please avoid the area.

08/22/2026