Wildfire near Camden industrial park 65% contained, Arkansas authorities say

A wildfire that has burned thousands of acres near a Camden industrial park where several defense contractors are located is 65% contained, Arkansas and local authorities said Wednesday.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office said that crews are continuing to battle hot spots in the fire that broke out Monday near the Highland Industrial Park.

No injuries or damages have been reported from the fire, which prompted evacuations from nearby residents and workers. Residents were allowed to return to their homes Tuesday.

Highland Industrial Park is home to several defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. 

Two Arkansas National Guard Black Hawk helicopters have dropped more than 48,000 gallons of water on the wildfire, the guard said in a news release Wednesday. 

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders mobilized the helicopters and two bulldozers Tuesday to assist in response to the fire.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a grant to assist in the firefighting efforts, the state Division of Emergency Management said in a Facebook post.

The Calhoun County fire has burned more than 2,800 acres, according to the state’s online wildfire dashboard. The cause of the fire is unknown. 

All of Arkansas’ 75 counties are at high risk of wildfires, according to a state Department of Agriculture map. There are burn bans in 67 counties.