Fire danger is increasing across much of the Ark-La-Tex as hot, dry conditions continue, prompting a growing number of counties and parishes to restrict outdoor burning.
Residents are being urged to check local restrictions before burning brush, trash or other materials, as conditions can change quickly and burn-ban lists may be updated throughout the day.
As of Monday, August 17, the following areas are under burn restrictions:
TEXAS
The current list of Texas counties under burn bans includes:
- Bowie County
- Cass County
- Harrison County
- Marion County
- Panola County
- Rusk County
- Shelby County
- Upshur County
That includes Bowie County, meaning residents in the Texarkana area should take particular care with any outdoor activity that could produce sparks or flames.
ARKANSAS
Burn bans are currently listed for:
- Columbia County
- Lafayette County
- Hempstead County
- Howard County
- Miller County
- Sevier County
Miller County’s inclusion means residents on the Arkansas side of Texarkana should also be aware of the restrictions.
LOUISIANA
Burn bans are in effect in:
- Bossier Parish
- Caddo Parish
- DeSoto Parish
- Natchitoches Parish
- Sabine Parish
- Webster Parish
OKLAHOMA
No Oklahoma counties were listed as being under a statewide Forestry Services burn ban in the information reviewed for this report.
That includes McCurtain County, where no current 2026 county burn-ban resolution was found on the county’s published resolutions page. However, McCurtain County Emergency Management advises residents to monitor official burn-ban information because restrictions can be imposed or lifted as conditions change. (McCurtain County)
Fire officials are asking residents throughout the region to use extreme caution even where a formal burn ban is not currently in effect.
That means avoiding unnecessary outdoor burning, properly extinguishing cigarettes, securing trailer chains that could create sparks, and never burning when conditions are hot, dry and windy.
Oklahoma law also allows county commissioners to declare periods of extreme fire danger when specific conditions are met, including extremely dry conditions and forecast temperatures of 100 degrees or higher. Such county burn-ban declarations can remain in effect for up to 14 days unless lifted earlier. (Oklahoma Mesonet)
With temperatures across the region expected to reach or exceed 100 degrees in some locations, firefighters are warning that a small spark can quickly turn into a much larger problem.
Bottom line: If you don’t absolutely have to burn it, don’t burn it.
Residents should check their county’s latest restrictions before starting any outdoor fire, particularly because burn-ban status can change as weather and fire conditions evolve.
