Lake Hamilton Fire

09/03/2026

Lake Hamilton Fire fully supports the decision to cancel the Labor Day fireworks display due to the current burn ban and extremely dry conditions.

Lake Hamilton Fire reviewed and approved the fireworks permit prior to the burn ban being issued. As conditions have continued to deteriorate, the safety of our community, visitors, and first responders must remain the priority.

We appreciate Visit Hot Springs and everyone involved for making the responsible decision based on current conditions. We also ask everyone to continue following the burn ban and help us reduce the risk of fires throughout our area.

Have a safe Labor Day weekend.

Commitment • Humility • Passion • Pride

The annual free public Hot Springs Labor Day fireworks display scheduled for Sunday on Lake Hamilton has been cancelled due to the county-wide burn ban.

“Out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with city, county and the county’s various fire departments, we have decided to cancel this year‘s fireworks,” said Devin Heath, CEO of Visit Hot Springs, which sponsors the annual display.

“Garland County is under a burn ban caused by the extended period of hot, dry conditions,” Heath said. “We ask everyone who will be in Hot Springs and Garland County to join us in observing the burn ban and stay safe for this one weekend.”

“We understand how thousands of visitors and residents enjoy the free public fireworks we sponsor each year on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, but there will be plenty of holidays in the future for us to enjoy those displays.”

“Everyone celebrate this Labor Day Weekend and enjoy all the many other activities and attractions we have for you here in Hot Springs.”

For more information call Jennifer Wolcott at 501-321-2027.

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

🔥 BURN BAN REMAINS IN EFFECT 🔥

Lake Hamilton Fire would like to remind everyone that the burn ban remains in effect. Much of Arkansas is currently experiencing a high wildfire risk due to the continued hot and dry conditions.

Please help us protect our community:

• Do not burn while the burn ban is in effect.
• Use extreme caution with anything that could create a spark or start a fire.
• Never discard ci******es or other smoking materials outdoors.
• If you see a fire or smoke, call 911 immediately.

Even a small fire can spread quickly under these conditions. Please take the burn ban seriously and help us prevent unnecessary fires.
Commitment • Humility • Passion • Pride

08/16/2026

🔥 BURN BAN REMINDER 🔥

A reminder that the burn ban remains ACTIVE for both Garland County and Hot Spring County. Please avoid all outdoor burning and use extreme caution with anything that could create a spark or start a fire.

☀️ We are also facing extreme heat, so please take care of yourself and those around you. Stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and never leave children or pets inside a vehicle.

Please help us keep our communities safe during these hot, dry conditions.

Commitment • Humility • Passion • Pride

08/14/2026

🔥 **BURN BAN NOW IN EFFECT FOR BOTH GARLAND COUNTY AND HOT SPRING COUNTY** 🔥

Effective **8:00 a.m. today**, both counties are under a **burn ban** due to the combination of extreme heat, rapidly drying conditions, and the increased threat of wildfire.

These conditions can allow even a small fire to spread quickly and become difficult to control. Lake Hamilton Fire is asking everyone to do their part by avoiding outdoor burning and being especially cautious with anything that could produce a spark or flame.

This is about more than preventing property damage, it is about protecting our neighbors and reducing unnecessary risk to the firefighters who may be called to respond.

Please take the burn ban seriously, remain vigilant, and help us keep our counties safe during this period of elevated fire danger.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support!

**Commitment • Humility • Passion • Pride**

08/12/2026

🔥 **EXTREME HEAT AHEAD — PLEASE PREPARE NOW** 🔥

The **National Weather Service** is warning that Arkansas may be entering a prolonged period of dangerous heat that could rank among some of the more significant heat waves in the state’s recent history.

This is not expected to be a one-day heat event. Forecast guidance indicates the potential for **sustained extreme heat over the coming days and into late August**, with very little rainfall. Prolonged heat can significantly increase the risk of heat-related illness and may also contribute to rapidly developing drought conditions.

Lake Hamilton Fire encourages everyone to prepare now:

* Stay hydrated and drink water regularly.
* Limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the day.
* Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
* Check on elderly family members, neighbors, children, and others who may be especially vulnerable to heat.
* Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
* Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

**Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, or shows other signs of severe heat illness, call 911 immediately.**

Please take this extended heat event seriously, plan ahead, and look out for one another.
**Commitment • Humility • Passion • Pride**

08/11/2026

VEHICLE RECOVERY – LAKE CATHERINE

At approximately 12:23 a.m. on August 11, Lake Hamilton Fire was dispatched to a report of a vehicle in Lake Catherine.

Shortly after the initial dispatch, Chief Davey activated the Lake Hamilton Fire Special Operations Team, and our dive boat and Dive/HazMat trailer were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, crews determined that no occupants were believed to be inside the vehicle. Due to the vehicle’s proximity to the shoreline, Lake Hamilton Fire deployed two Special Operations swimmers into the water. The swimmers confirmed that no one was inside the vehicle and conducted an assessment for potential environmental hazards. No environmental hazards were identified.

The swimmers then assisted the wrecker service with safely attaching recovery equipment to the submerged vehicle. Once the vehicle was securely connected, both swimmers exited the water. Crews then ensured that all personnel and other parties were positioned in a safe location before the wrecker began removing the vehicle from the water.

The vehicle was successfully removed from Lake Catherine without incident and was turned over to the wrecker service.

Because the vehicle was located in close proximity to the dam, Lake Hamilton Fire also coordinated with Entergy to ensure that generating operations or the opening of the dam would not create an additional hazard for personnel operating in the water.

Lake Hamilton Fire would like to thank the agencies and organizations that assisted with this recovery:

• Garland County 911 Emergency Communications Center
• Garland County Department of Emergency Management
• Hot Springs Police Department
• Pafford Emergency Medical Services, for providing medical support and monitoring for our Special Operations Team
• Entergy Arkansas, for their coordination and assistance regarding dam operations

Incidents such as this require strong communication, coordination, and teamwork. We appreciate the assistance of everyone involved in bringing this operation to a safe and successful conclusion.

Commitment • Humility • Passion • Pride

08/08/2026

🐾 FOUND PUP AT THE FIRE STATION! 🐾

This handsome guy decided to stop by our main station for a visit! 🚒🐶

He is full of energy, very friendly, and we’re sure someone is missing him.

If this pup belongs to you or you know who he belongs to, please contact Lake Hamilton Fire. We’ll be happy to help reunite him with his family!

Please share and help us get this good boy back home! ❤️🐾

📸 Check out the photos below and help us find his Humans!

08/07/2026

It was an honor for Lake Hamilton Fire to be invited to display our dive boat at the AEMTA Conference & Trade Show!

A special thank you to Pafford Emergency Medical Services for inviting us to showcase one of our response boats in their booth. Opportunities like this demonstrate the strength of our community partnerships and serve as a reminder that protecting and serving our communities takes all of us working together.

This boat and much of the specialized equipment that supports our dive and haz mat response capabilities were made possible through a grant provided by Entergy our department received in 2024. That grant funded the purchase of the dive boat, dive equipment, and hazardous materials equipment specifically for emergencies on our area lakes. We remain extremely grateful to Entergy for making an investment that continues to benefit our department and the communities we serve.

A big thank you to Pafford EMS for including us in this year’s conference and to Entergy for helping make these resources possible.

Strong partnerships make stronger communities.

Commitment. Humility. Passion. Pride.