Watson Chapel Fire Department

08/28/2026

When burn bans are in place and fire danger is high or extreme, the choices we make outdoors matter. Outdoor debris burning should be avoided entirely, because even a small fire can escape and become a wildfire under dry conditions.

Residents should stay aware of conditions in their area by checking the Department’s county-by-county map: https://mip.agri.arkansas.gov/agtools/Forestry/Fire_Info

Your actions can prevent wildfires and protect the firefighters who respond when one starts.

08/27/2026

🚨 BURN BAN STILL IN EFFECT 🚨
Don't let the recent rainfall fool you—fire danger remains HIGH across Arkansas.
While the showers were a welcome relief, the rain was simply not enough to break our ongoing drought. Deep vegetation and forest floors are still bone-dry. With high temperatures and low humidity returning, dangerous wildfire conditions will continue.
The Arkansas Forestry Division maintains elevated wildfire risk levels across the state.
What you need to know:
* No Outdoor Burning: Outdoor burning is strictly prohibited under active county burn bans.
* One Ember is All It Takes: Dry grass and leaf litter can ignite instantly and spread rapidly in dry winds.
* Play It Safe: park vehicles away from tall dry grass, and secure trailer chains to prevent sparks. Stay safe, look out for your neighbors, and report any spotted smoke immediately to local authorities or Forestry Dispatch at 1-800-468-8834.

08/24/2026

The burn ban is still in effect.

08/22/2026

🚨🔥 NO BURNING — BURN BAN STILL IN EFFECT! 🔥🚨

Our area is extremely dry right now, and HIGH FIRE DANGER EXISTS. Even a small spark can quickly turn into a dangerous wildfire.

🚫 PLEASE DO NOT BURN!
That includes brush, leaves, trash, grass clippings, or anything else that could start a fire.

⚠️ A few important reminders:

• Be extremely careful when mowing grass. Hot mower parts, exhaust, or a spark from hitting a rock or metal object can ignite dry grass.

• Never park hot equipment in dry grass. Allow mowers, vehicles, tractors, and other equipment to cool down on a non-combustible surface.

• Check your trailer safety chains before traveling. A chain dragging on pavement can create sparks and potentially start a roadside fire.

• Make sure nothing is dragging underneath your vehicle or trailer that could create sparks.

• Never throw ci******es or cigarette butts from vehicles. One cigarette can start a wildfire.

• Use extreme caution with welding, grinding, cutting metal, or anything that creates sparks.

• Keep vehicles and equipment away from tall, extremely dry grass whenever possible.

• If you see smoke or a fire starting, don’t assume someone else has called it in. Report it immediately and provide the best location you can.

🔥 IT ONLY TAKES ONE SPARK TO START A FIRE!

Please take these dry conditions seriously, protect your property, and help protect our firefighters and our communities.

🚫🔥 NO BURNING — THE BURN BAN IS STILL IN EFFECT! 🔥🚫

Please share and help spread the word!

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.

08/13/2026

The burn ban is still in effect, this also includes burn barrels. Help do your part by not burning anything during these dangerous conditions. only you can prevent wildfires.

08/12/2026

All 75 Arkansas counties are currently at a moderate wildfire risk, and 23 counties have active burn bans. At the moderate level, fires that may have been routine a month ago can ignite more easily, spread faster, and require more resources to control. With excessive heat and dry conditions moving into the state, we expect fire risk to continue increasing.

We are urging all Arkansans to avoid outdoor burning, postpone any activities that could create sparks, secure trailer chains, avoid parking on dry grass, and follow all county burn bans and local restrictions.

Report any wildfire immediately to the Department’s Forestry Dispatch at 1‑800‑468‑8834.

You can monitor conditions on the Department’s county‑by‑county wildfire map and follow us on social media for ongoing updates.

08/08/2026

Even though much needed rainfall was received yesterday, the burn ban for Jefferson county is still in effect. we are also in a moderate risk category for wildfires due to the curren conditions. For the latest updated information on burn bans and wildfire danger, click on the attached link.

Risk levels are determined by fuel conditions, drought status, and long-term weather forecasts. They are categorized by how easily fires can start and how hard they are to contain. The risk level definitions are:

07/26/2026

This is an important year for us. Because of this community and the dedication of past and present members,
Watson Chapel Fire Dept turns 50 years old
🎉🎉

06/28/2026

Great guy. Protected this community for many years

View Mark Allen Harper's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.