MAGNOLIA, Ark. — Emergency crews achieved full containment Tuesday evening on a wildfire that scorched more than 100 acres and forced residents from their homes in southwest Arkansas, local authorities reported.
The fire was first reported around 3:31 p.m. Tuesday in Columbia County, located northeast of Magnolia near County Road 47, Dudney Road, and Columbia Road 511. Dispatches from local outlets differed slightly on the total acreage burned: The Magnolia Banner News and KTBS reported that the flames blackened approximately 120 acres, while the Magnolia Reporter stated the fire consumed roughly 150 acres before firefighters stopped its advance.
As east winds drove smoke and flames westward toward the Greer’s Chapel area and southwest of Logoly State Park, local officials ordered evacuations along Columbia Road 511, according to the Columbia County Judge’s Office. Community leaders established an emergency shelter at the Rugged Cross Cowboy Church to house evacuated families and anyone else needing refuge from the smoke.
Columbia County Sheriff Leroy Martin confirmed that no injuries were reported and no habitable buildings were destroyed in the fire, according to the Magnolia Reporter. Law enforcement subsequently lifted the evacuation orders Tuesday night, allowing residents to return to their properties, though authorities noted some people chose to remain away temporarily because of heavy residual smoke.
Extensive emergency response halts advance
The Magnolia Fire Department confirmed in a statement that the wildfire was 100 percent contained later Tuesday evening. The containment effort required a massive mobilization across southern Arkansas, bringing together more than 75 firefighters representing six separate fire departments.
The Arkansas Forestry Division dispatched heavy plows and aerial tankers to construct containment boundaries, drawing personnel and equipment from Columbia, Union, Nevada, and Lafayette counties, the Magnolia Reporter reported. Rural and municipal crews supported the operation with water tankers and brush trucks. To keep roads clear for arriving emergency units, authorities established roadblocks along U.S. 79 at Dudney Road as well as near the entrance road to Logoly State Park.
The fire also disrupted local utilities. KTBS reported that electricity was intentionally cut to the surrounding rural area as safety precautions took effect. Entergy Corporation stated that approximately 137 customers lost power near Dudney Road and Columbia County Road 551 before repair crews managed to fully restore service Tuesday night, according to the Magnolia Reporter.
Broader wildfire activity across Arkansas
Plumes of dark smoke from the fire were visible across wide distances, with at least one sighting reported across the state line in East Texas, according to the Magnolia Reporter.
The emergency in Columbia County occurred amid ongoing dry conditions across the state. The Magnolia Banner News reported that this fire was one of three active wildfires burning simultaneously in Arkansas on Tuesday. Statewide forestry statistics indicate that 1,725 wildfires have scorched 38,512 acres across Arkansas so far this year.
Fire crews remained on the scene overnight Tuesday to monitor hot spots and prevent any rekindling. Emergency officials noted that the cause of the blaze remains undetermined and is under active investigation by state forestry officials and local investigators.
