Altus Rural Fire Department

10/16/2026

North winds will be sustained at 15 to 20 mph through most of the day with gusts to around 35 mph, and some gust to around 40 mph across the higher terrain of northern Franklin County. Afternoon relative humidity values will fall into the mid-40% range.

At present the Arkansas Forestry Division Wildfire Danger Rating for Franklin County is at HIGH. Fires can still start easily and become difficult to control. Despite the rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday, not all locations received equal amounts. And the windy conditions will potentially deplete fuel (vegetation, leaf litter, etc.) moisture.

For today, we are asking that you hold off on any planned burns. Winds will make it very difficult to contain a fire today if it were to get out of control. Conditions will improve for Saturday and Sunday with light easterly winds around 5 mph.

10/07/2026

The entire state remains at high risk for wildfire, and burn bans are in place for 50 counties. Ongoing very dry conditions are expected through the week, and elevated wildfire potential will likely persist for several more weeks. We urge Arkansans to stay aware of these conditions and use caution. Even in counties not currently under a burn ban, the risk of fires escaping and becoming severe remains high.

View current conditions: https://mip.agri.arkansas.gov/agtools/Forestry/Fire_Info

10/02/2026

The county wide Burn Ban for Franklin County has been lifted.

IF you plan to burn anything such as lawn debris, brush, or refuse like cardboard boxes, please DO NOT leave the fire unattended. Keep a close watch on it. Even after the fire appears to be out, check the area where you conducted the burn. Areas where brush has been burnt can rekindle with increased winds.

IF you plan to burn, call our non-emergency line to Franklin County 911 Dispatch at 479-667-4176 and ask to be placed on the Burn Log. Provide the dispatcher with your address, and what you plan to burn. This will provide critical information to your local fire department should something go wrong. For citizens wishing to burn within city limits, check with your city hall regarding any ordinances or for what is allowed to be burnt.

09/30/2026

Residents and visitors to Franklin County that travel along Hwy. 23 north of Ozark are urged to be prepared for an uptick in vehicles along the route as today is the opening day for the WAKAAN Music Festival up at Mulberry Mountain Lodge.

There is one area of road work where traffic is relegated to one lane between Shores Lake Road intersection and Cass Job Corps. Traffic control is by portable signal/STOP lights at north and south ends. Please allow yourself extra travel time.

09/27/2026

On 9/26/26 at approximately 8:20 PM, ARFD was dispatched to a vehicle versus train on Highway 186 South to the railroad crossing by the Alix feed mill.

The driver of the vehicle had gotten out prior to impact, so no injuries were reported.

The train was carrying crude oil, but no leaks or releases were found or noted.

This was the best case scenario for an incident like this.

Agencies also responding were Franklin County Emergency Management (AR), Franklin County Emergency Medical Services, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Union Pacific RR.

The scene was cleared around 10:13 PM.

ARFD responded with 2 engines, 1 tanker, and 9 personnel.

09/21/2026

A quick response today stopped what was fast turning into a wildfire. AFD responded with 3 engines and 8 personnel.

Two structures were spared and the burned area was contained to less than 2 acres.

A reminder that Franklin County remains under a BURN BAN.

09/19/2026

09/18/2026

LARGE WILDFIRE - PUBLIC NOTICE

This is in Logan County, specifically in the New Blaine area. Structures have caught fire due to this unfortunately.

There is a significant first responder presence on scene to control the fire.

Please beware and stay safe out there guys.

Report from LCSO admin.

09/11/2026

-New York City Fire Department (FDNY): 343 firefighters, paramedics, and chaplains
-Port Authority Police Department (PAPD): 37 officers
-New York City Police Department (NYPD): 23 officers
-Private Emergency Medical Services (EMS): 8 EMTs and paramedics
-New York State Court Officers: 3 officers
-New York Fire Patrol: 1 patrolman