High Winds Wreaking Havoc For Arkansas Firefighters
High winds are causing major problems for fire officials in the Hometown area.
Firefighters battled a house fire in Wheeler on Monday. Crews said winds gusted to 35 mph when the fire broke out, and it didn't take long for the blaze to spread.
They were able to get the fire under control before it spread to nearby homes. The homeowner made it out of the house safely.
Crews in both Washington and Benton counties have been very busy the past few weeks because of the dry conditions. Officials said that both counties are under a burn ban.
Firefighters said a combination of a lack of rain and high winds add up to be their worst enemy in dealing with fires.
"Because it can not only intensify the fire but it can push it into the yard and pastures around, and it's a lot of work to fight in heavy winds," said Wedington Fire Department spokesman John Luther.
Most of the brush and grass fires crews have been battling stemmed from seemingly innocent attempts to burn leaves or trash. However, officials said that's just a bad idea while it's this dry and windy.
People caught burning things outside while a burn ban is in effect will be ticketed.
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