Arkansas Forest Fire Prompts Evacuations, Burns 150 Acres

Firefighters in South Arkansas are put to the ultimate test, putting out a massive forest fire that burned over 140 acres of land in dangerously dry conditions.

The fire sent neighbors in nearby homes evacuating to safer ground for a few hours, while firefighters contained the flames.

Arkansas neighbors who live in Hamburg say they never had time to panic, and hardly had any time to pack up and go.

But the signs of fire and smokescreen of dark clouds by homes sent Patricia Savage into evacuation mode.

“I loaded up my car and the truck, when the cop told us to leave, we took off!” she said. “Some people didn’t want to leave until the least minute.”

Officials say it took the efforts of the Arkansas Forestry Commission, local volunteer firefighters, nearly a dozen bulldozers, and a plane dropped large amounts of water into the burning ground—to control the flames, which burned for over five hours.

The Arkansas Forestry Commission reported no injuries, and is asking people to be aware of burn bans.