Oklahoma, Mississippi assisting with wildfire suppression in south Arkansas

The Oklahoma National Guard and Mississippi National Guard are providing aviation resources to help Arkansas suppress a wildfire that’s burned thousands of acres near a Camden industrial park where several defense contractors are located, officials announced Friday.

In response to a request from the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, two Chinook helicopters equipped with 2,000-gallon “Bambi buckets” that are used to drop water onto wildfires will assist state and local agencies in their suppression efforts, according to a press release. 

Arkansas authorities battling wildfire near Camden industrial park

The five-person Mississippi crew began operations Friday morning, and Oklahoma’s six-person crew is expected to begin its work this afternoon, according to the Arkansas National Guard. Both helicopters are expected to work through Monday and are scheduled to return home Tuesday. 

“We appreciate Mississippi and Oklahoma for joining Arkansas in this coordinated mission,” ADEM Director A.J. Gary said. “Their aviation support strengthens state and local agencies’ ability to contain the Bunker Fire.” 

The fire, which has burned more than 2,800 acres, was 75% contained as of Friday, according to the state’s online wildfire dashboard. The fire broke out Monday near the Highland Industrial Park, which is home to several defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. 

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.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders ordered the Arkansas National Guard to deploy two Black Hawk helicopters with “Bambi buckets” to assist with wildfire suppression earlier this week. Two more helicopters began firefighting duties Thursday.

Sanders also directed two bulldozers, a fire plow and operators to support suppression efforts.   

All of Arkansas’ 75 counties are at high risk of wildfires, according to a state Department of Agriculture map. There are burn bans in 69 counties.