Another June day in Arkansas brings warm temperatures to go with the crackling of dry ground.
Due to the conditions, the Arkansas Forestry Commission reports 27 counties are under strict conditions when it comes to recreational burning.
AFC is beginning to use its wings to smother fires before they spread.
Forestry pilots are taking flight to check rural areas that may be subject to fires. The scans come a few months earlier than normal because of this drought in several counties.
“The air patrol, a lot of times, we’re the first ones on the scene because when we get in the air we can do a whole lot bigger area in a whole lot shorter time,” said fire management officer Mark Cutrer. “Once they circle the fire they can see if there’s anybody out there, if there’s any problems or if there’s any lines around it.”
From KATV News: https://www.katv.com/story/18830046/dry-conditions-lead-agency-to-air-patrol-forests