Arkansas officials report major progress on wildfire near industrial park

Fire spreads near Camden

A wildfire near Camden, Arkansas, has burned nearly 2,850 acres around Highland Industrial Park, a major industrial complex that includes several defense contractors.

By Thursday evening, September 17, the Bunker Fire was reported at 75% containment. Evacuation orders had been lifted, no structures had been reported damaged, and crews continued suppression and monitoring work around the fire.

Nearly 2,850 acres have burned

The Bunker Fire has burned about 2,849 acres in Calhoun County, according to updated wildfire reporting based on state data. Local, state, and National Guard crews have been involved in the response.

Despite the size of the fire, officials have not reported injuries or structural damage. Fire crews have continued monitoring containment lines, suppressing hot spots, and preventing renewed spread.

Highland Industrial Park is nearby

The fire broke out close to Highland Industrial Park, a large industrial site near Camden. The park is home to several companies connected to the defense industry, making the location especially important to the region.

Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are among the contractors with operations at the park. The wildfire prompted evacuations involving nearby residents and workers, but officials later allowed people to return to their homes as conditions improved.

More helicopters join the firefight

Arkansas initially deployed two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to attack the wildfire from above. By early Wednesday, those aircraft had dropped more than 48,000 gallons of water.

Two additional Arkansas Black Hawks joined the effort Thursday, bringing the state’s total to four helicopters. Mississippi and Oklahoma also sent CH-47 Chinooks to assist through an interstate emergency-management agreement.

Little-known fact: Arkansas National Guard Black Hawks have used Bambi buckets capable of carrying about 660 gallons of water per drop.

Bulldozers are helping crews

The wildfire response is not relying only on firefighters and helicopters. Two bulldozers were also mobilized to help crews battle the blaze and improve control lines around the affected area.

Heavy equipment can be useful during wildfire operations because it can clear vegetation and create breaks that help limit the fire’s path. The equipment joined the response Tuesday as state and local authorities worked to contain the growing fire near the industrial park.

Residents were briefly evacuated

The wildfire led authorities to evacuate nearby residents and workers as crews responded to the flames. Evacuations are often used during fast-changing wildfire conditions to give people a safer distance from the fire.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes Tuesday. Officials have not reported any injuries or damage connected to the blaze. Crews continued watching the area for hot spots even after people were allowed to go back home.

Cause of the fire remains unknown

Officials have not identified what started the Calhoun County wildfire. Investigators and emergency crews continue dealing with the active fire while authorities monitor conditions.

Knowing the cause of a wildfire can help officials understand how it began and determine what happened before the flames spread. For now, the reported focus remains on containment and extinguishing remaining hot spots rather than announcing a confirmed cause.

FEMA approves firefighting support

Federal assistance is also part of the response. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a grant to help with firefighting efforts, according to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management.

The funding provides additional support as crews continue working on the large wildfire. State and local agencies have been coordinating resources while firefighters focus on containment. The federal grant adds another layer of assistance during the ongoing emergency response.

Arkansas faces wildfire risks

Wildfire danger extends far beyond Calhoun County. A map from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture shows all 75 Arkansas counties at high risk for wildfires.

That broad risk comes as officials deal with dry conditions and active fires in parts of the state. The map also shows burn bans in 67 counties, highlighting how widespread fire concerns are across Arkansas as crews continue working near Camden.

Fun fact: Arkansas National Guard helicopters have previously helped fight wildfires in multiple Arkansas counties during a single response.

Burn bans cover most counties

Burn bans are currently in place across much of Arkansas. State information shows 67 of the state’s 75 counties have burn bans, meaning restrictions cover most of the state.

These bans are designed to reduce activities that could start or spread fires when conditions are dangerous. For residents, the restrictions can affect outdoor burning and other activities involving fire. Local rules can vary, so people should check their county’s current requirements.

Crews are still chasing hot spots

Even with the Bunker Fire reaching 75% containment by Thursday evening, the work was not finished. Crews continued surveillance and suppression efforts around the nearly 2,850-acre burn area.

Containment does not mean every part of a wildfire has been extinguished. Firefighters continue checking control lines and hot spots to reduce the risk of renewed spread while crews work toward full containment.

A major response is underway

The Bunker Fire has brought together local firefighters, Arkansas Forestry Division crews, state emergency officials, National Guard aviation and heavy equipment, along with federal firefighting assistance.

No injuries or structural damage have been reported, and evacuation orders have been lifted. The response expanded further as additional Arkansas Black Hawks and National Guard Chinook helicopters from Mississippi and Oklahoma joined suppression efforts.

A wildfire near Highland Industrial Park has prompted the Arkansas National Guard to respond. Discover how officials are working to contain the fire and protect nearby communities.

What happens next

Crews are now focused on strengthening containment lines, suppressing remaining hot spots, and monitoring the nearly 2,850-acre Bunker Fire for renewed activity. By Thursday evening, the fire was reported at 75% containment.

The cause remained undetermined, while wildfire danger continued across much of Arkansas. State and local officials can adjust burn bans, warnings, and firefighting resources as weather and fire conditions change.

Living in Arkansas comes with advantages that residents may want to consider. Find out which 10 risks could affect people living in the state.

What do you think about the large response to the Camden-area wildfire? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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