Who pays if I accidentally start a wildfire in Arkansas?

Under Arkansas Code 15-31-103, landowners or individuals whose negligence caused a wildfire may be billed for the full cost of suppression efforts by the Arkansas Forestry Division.

Does Arkansas have designated wildfire hazard zones?

Arkansas does not maintain formal wildfire hazard zone maps like western states, but the Forestry Division identifies high-risk wildland-urban interface areas for prevention outreach and prescribed burning.

Arkansas Wildfire Zones Law: Statewide Fire Regulations Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Authority: Forestry Division
Statute: AR Code 15-31-101
Jurisdiction: All forested land
Suppression billing: Negligent parties
Fire code: Statewide adoption

Source: Arkansas Code Title 15, Chapter 31 - Arkansas Forestry Commission

Full Breakdown

The Arkansas Forestry Division, established under Arkansas Code 15-31-101, has jurisdiction over all forested land in the state for wildfire prevention and suppression. The Division operates a statewide fire detection network and coordinates with county judges on burn ban declarations. Under Arkansas Code 15-31-103, the Division may enter private property to suppress fires and assess landowners for negligent fire causation. Universal Fire Code adoption (Arkansas Code 12-13-101) requires defensible space considerations in wildland-urban interface areas.

Violations & Penalties

Negligent or intentional wildfire causation is a Class A misdemeanor or felony depending on damage; landowners may be billed for suppression costs under state law.

Arkansas Forestry Division Wildfire Protection Authority

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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