To reduce confusion on when open burning is permissible in Benton County these guidelines have been developed by DEM and the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

Arkansas Forestry uses these criteria for rating fire danger across the state and forest management.
Previous Weather conditions 24 to 48 hours, rainfall, temperature, humidity, and wind velocities.

Present conditions under same criteria.

Forecasts data from the National Weather Service plus the Fire Danger Forecast from the National Weather Service.

l. Sustained wind velocities exceeding 15 mph.

2. Sustained wind velocities of 10 mph with gusts over 15 mph.

3. Humidity of less than 40 percent.

4. Temperature above 45 F degrees.

5. No measurable precipitation within last 24 hour period.

6. Last measurable precipitation of less than one inch within past 72 hours.

Utilizing all of the above information provides for a detailed forecast to allow open burning to be conducted in Benton County.

Arkansas Forestry has agreed, with the permission of the County Judge, to act as a designee in calling for a "RED FLAG" day based on the conditions listed above.

DEM office will notify CENCOM that a "RED FLAG" is up for that day at or before 8:00 AM each day.

Arkansas Forestry Enforcement Officer will notify DEM when conditions warrant a "RED FLAG" condition.

In the absence of the DEM or on holidays and weekends Arkansas Forestry Enforcement Officer will notify DEM or CENCOM that "RED FLAG" conditions exist and no open burning is allowed!

Environmental Affairs Director can issue "RED FLAG" conditions in the absence of DEM.

Shift Supervisor on duty shall advise by pager or phone, DEM "on call" person or in their absence Environmental Affairs Director, or CENCOM Director that conditions warrant issuing a "RED FLAG" upon receipt of special weather statements from the weather service or Forestry Commission.

"RED FLAG" issue is only good for a 24-hour period. It must be renewed on a day by day basis contingent upon conditions.

"RED FLAG" warnings shall be tone announced to all fire departments and dispatch centers that dispatch fire departments to rural areas and to all Law Enforcement that cover or respond to rural areas.

Webmaster shall be notified to post "RED FLAG" or Burn Ban on the County Web Page. Contact Information Systems via Internet, pager, or by phone for notification.

Explanations on conditions.

Some wind speed with the right conditions provide the proper weather to conduct open burning for clearing agricultural areas. There are days when humidity and temperature with low wind velocities are ideal to burn yard waste and tree limbs or brush piles. With the information from the sources listed above and established criteria we can help to prevent wildfires and loss of property.