Arkansas Department of Agriculture

FORREST CITY — A crew of 8 wildland firefighters with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division left Forrest City recently to work wildfires in Kentucky. Many areas in Kentucky have been experiencing elevated wildfire danger with 34 fires reported in a single day last week.

Because of the recent wildfire activity, Forestry Division employees have been mobilized as part of the Southeastern Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact. The Southeastern Compact enables participating state forestry agencies to send wildland firefighting resources and personnel across state lines to suppress wildfires.

“Kentucky is experiencing drought and their emergency response resources are running thin,” said Wes McKinney, Fire Management Officer for the Forestry Division. “They’re seeing multiple fires over multiple days and are in need of support.”

The crew is being led by Wesley Morgan, a Forestry Division Ranger from Stone County.

Other members of the crew include:

Paul Franks – County Ranger, Union County

Dusty Walton – County Ranger, Clark County

Andrew Still – Ranger II, Dallas County

Tyler King – County Forester, Union County

Don Rainbolt – Ranger II, Searcy County

Cody Mallory – Ranger II, Faulkner County

Curtis Ragland – Ranger II, Faulker County

“We are proud of our staff who volunteered to do hard, labor-intensive work to help safeguard the people of Kentucky,” said Arkansas State Forester Joe Fox. “They are honored to use their training and expertise to provide assistance.”

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation.

Visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.