News Release

Fires Near Boxley Valley

Map of fire lines as of  10 am on Dec 11,2017

NPS

News Release Date: December 11, 2017

Contact: Caven Clark, 870-365-2790

Harrison, AR: Around midday on Sunday (12/10) two separate fires were reported along Arkansas Highway 21 on the north side of Boxley Valley, involving a combination of private and national park lands. The Whitley Fire is currently estimated at 50 acres and the Edgeman Fire is estimated to be 15 acres. Crews from Buffalo National River’s Fire Module, Arkansas Forestry Commission, and the Deer, Ponca, and Mount Sherman volunteer fire departments provided initial response. Fire crews were pulled at 8 pm last night for their own safety. At the present time containment is estimated to be 10%. Predicted high winds and steep terrain will complicate the ongoing response. The fire is expected to grow today. The cause of the two fires remains under investigation.

Buffalo National River encourages extreme caution during this extraordinarily dry season. Fires on the park should be reported to 911 or to park dispatch at 888/692-1162.

Click here for fire pictures.