It's very dry for this time of year

Crittenden County recorded just 1.5 inches of rainfall in December 2025, making it the driest December in more than a decade and contributing to unseasonably dry conditions across the area.

While outdoor burning is currently permitted during daylight hours under state guidelines, officials urge residents to use extreme caution. Anyone planning a large fire is advised to notify central dispatch before burning.

The dry weather has already contributed to several recent wildfires locally. One fire last week burned more than five acres before being contained.