Grass and brush fires have been keeping local firefighters busy in recent weeks.
Dry grass and low humidity can be a bad combination.
As of Friday, neither Miller nor Bowie County was under a burn ban, but residents should still use extreme caution when burning, said Texarkana, Ark., Fire Marshal Steve Johnson.
Johnson advised caution even if the area receives the rain it is supposed to this weekend.
"If it's not a steady rain, it will not help the conditions that much because it will run off the top. We need a good, soaking rain," Johnson said.
Scattered showers and a few isolated thunderstorms are expected as a weak upper disturbance transitions across the region.
Thunderstorms are also expected to accompany a strong cold front advancing south through the southern Plains into the region late tonight into early Sunday.
A few severe storms will be possible, mainly along and north of the Interstate 30 corridor, especially if a squall line develops with the primary threat of strong damaging winds.
Burn bans have been issued for nine counties in Southwest Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
The affected counties include Clark, Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Nevada, Pike and Sevier.
Burn bans are issued by county judges when fire danger is high, according to the Forestry Commission.
Burn bans in Northeast Texas include Cass and Marion counties.
Johnson said many grass fires can be attributed to carelessness while burning debris piles, while other fires along roads and highways are caused by a tossed cigarette or a spark from a vehicle.
Here are some fire prevention tips from the American Red Cross:
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Always make sure your fire is completely doused or smothered with dirt before leaving.
- Don't burn yard waste or rubbish unless it's allowed by your municipality.
- Don't burn anything highly combustible, including paper or fabric soaked in oil or gasoline.
- Don't start a burn on a windy day. Save it for another time.
- Dispose of used matches and butts in a closed container or cup of water.
- Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
- Don't park a hot car or other machinery in dry grass.
- Don't allow gasoline or motor oil to spill on grass or other vegetation.