(Updated media release 12/12/17 11:42 am)

Boxley Area Wildfire Update

Harrison, AR: Around midday on Sunday (12/10) two separate fires were reported along Arkansas Highway 21 on the north side of Boxley Valley involving a combination of private and national parklands. By Monday the two fires had coalesced into one and continued to burn within the containment zone while firefighters worked to reinforce that zone with hand-lines and mechanical (dozer) line construction. Much of the containment efforts are on near vertical hillsides in very rough terrain.

In spite of extremely high winds overnight, the fire remained within the containment zone of approximately 425 acres (50 acres private, 374 federal), all of which is timber. At 8:30 am today (12/12) the fire was declared 100% contained.

The response has been directed by Buffalo National River’s Fire Module. Assistance has been provided by the Arkansas Forestry Commission, the Compton, Deer, Mount Sherman, and Ponca volunteer fire departments. Additional federal assets includeChickasaw National Park, Great Smokey Mountain National Park, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Ozark National Forest, and Pea Ridge National Military Park.

Remnants of the fire will continue to burn out downed trees and stumps, much of which is left over from the 2009 ice storm. The containment area will be monitored until much-needed winter rains arrive. There are no reports of injuries, property damage, and no evacuations of any kind. The cause of the fires remains under investigation.

Buffalo National River encourages extreme caution during the extraordinarily dry season. Fires on the park should be reported to 911 or to park dispatch at 888/692-1162.

(Updated media release 12/11/17 3:45 pm)

Boxley Wildfire Update

Around midday, on Sunday (12/10) two separate fires were reported along Arkansas Highway 21 on the north side of Boxley Valley involving a combination of private and national parklands. The Whitley and Edgeman fires have coalesced into one fire now and continue to burn within the containment zone while firefighters work to reinforce that zone with hand-lines and mechanical line construction. Much of the containment efforts are on near vertical hillsides in very rough terrain. It will be tomorrow until an estimate of acreage burned is available. The response has been directed by Buffalo National River’s Fire Module with the on-the-ground assistance of the Arkansas Forestry Commission and the Compton Volunteer Fire Department. Although the wildfire is still burning it is staying within the designated containment area in spite of very high winds and dry fuel. There have been no reports of injury and no damage to property at this time. The cause of the two fires remains under investigation.

Buffalo National River encourages extreme caution during the extraordinarily dry season. Fires on the park should be reported to 911 or to park dispatch at 888/692-1162.

For information on Burn Bans in Arkansas please visit the Arkansas Forestry Commission Website.

(from media release 12/11/17 10:51 am)

Two Wildfires Burning Near Boxley Valley

Harrison, AR: Around midday on Sunday (12/10) two separate fires were reported along Arkansas Highway 21 on the north side of Boxley Valley, involving a combination of private and national parklands. The Whitley Fire is currently estimated at 50 acres and the Edgeman Fire is estimated to be 15 acres. Crews from Buffalo National River’s Fire Module, Arkansas Forestry Commission, and the Deer, Ponca, and Mount Sherman volunteer fire departments provided the initial response. Fire crews were pulled at 8 pm last night for their own safety. At the present time containment is estimated to be 10%. Predicted high winds and steep terrain will complicate the ongoing response. The fire is expected to grow today. The cause of the two fires remains under investigation.

Buffalo National River encourages extreme caution during this extraordinarily dry season. Fires on the park should be reported to 911 or to park dispatch at 888/692-1162.

www.nps.gov

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