Altus Rural Fire Department

08/31/2026

Fire Danger has been upgraded to HIGH for Franklin County. We have had no impactful rainfall in several weeks. Small fires become big fires very easily in these condition’s.

The Burn Ban for Franklin County is still in effect.

Please see attached.

08/28/2026

The newest drought report shows things are getting bad. No surprise, right? The red is "extreme" drought....This is the official term, though I think the term "extreme" gets used waaaaay too often to describe weather. In this case, perhaps it's warranted. We need rain.

08/22/2026

Across Arkansas, wildland firefighters, foresters, rangers, and volunteer departments are facing more fires and more dangerous conditions. When a wildfire starts, they move toward heat, smoke, and unpredictable terrain to protect our forests, our homes, and our communities. They do this knowing the risks, and they do it day after day.

We can support them by following burn bans, staying weather aware, and being fire smart in our daily activities. Give crews and equipment the room they need to work and take time to thank the people who serve on the line and in our communities.

Our firefighters stand ready when Arkansas needs them. Let’s do our part to help keep them safe.

08/21/2026

HUGE WILDFIRE - this is from tonight.

Unfortunately we’re observing a massive wildfire tonight in Union County.

This has sparked a major effort and response from local and state authorities to battle the fire and it’s still present as of 9:57 PM.

I’m told that efforts to get the fire contained are still ongoing.

There are also evacuations in the area.

Say a prayer for these people and the first responders involved, it has been a long evening.

Photo sent to me via Katie Meade.

08/18/2026

A cooling station for those that are still without power from yesterday's storm will open today at 10:30 AM in Ozark at the Gardner Family Life Center located at 104 South 5th Street. On behalf of the First United Methodist Church, we ask that everyone that wished to utilize the center to cooperate with any rules that they may have for their building which they have so graciously allowed to be used.

The cooling station will be manned by volunteers from the American Red Cross.

The Lions Club International will also be on site with their disaster relief supplies trailer. They will have tarps available for those with roof damage, along with the special nails that have the plastic cap for securing tarps, in addition to comfort supplies.

As of 8:45 AM there are 1,002 residences without power in Franklin County. (864 on Arkansas Valley Electric Coop, and 138 on Oklahoma Gas & Electric).

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

08/13/2026

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08/10/2026

A BIG thanks to all those that came out and supported us at our 2nd Annual golf tournament fundraiser for our fire department.

An extra special thank you to the Roger Drummond Trucking team and the team of JJ Henson, Donnie Eveld, DJ Masner, and Tyler Holmes for donating their winnings back to the fire department. To say we appreciate it doesn't adequately express our gratitude and thanks.

We would like to recognize all of our sponsors this year.

BRONZE Sponsors:
-Restored Home & Air Services
-El Olvido - Ozark

SILVER Sponsor:
-Roger Drummond Trucking
-Colby Yates - Century 21 Glover Town & Country
-Wild Child Works

GOLD Sponsors:
Tokai Carbon GE LLC
Dr. Brandon Vick
Eveld Medical Services, PLLC

We couldn’t do this without any of you.

A sincere thank you to all that donated, volunteered, played, and supported us.

See you next year!