Wildfire in Union Co, Arkansas., El Dorado prompts evacuations

UNION CO, Arkansas — A 2000-acre wildfire prompted voluntary evacuations Thursday in El Dorado and portions of Union County.

Evacuations and firefighting response

The fire comes as dry conditions have increased wildfire dangers across Arkansas.

Residents along Nick Springs Road from Leonard Lane east to Lawson Rd, and Lawson Rd north to Hwy 63 received notice of a voluntary evacuation request.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (ADA) reports ten bulldozers are currently working the fire. ADA is preparing replacement crews from other parts of the state.

Air tankers are scheduled to begin aerial operations immediately. Approximately 150 people have been evacuated to nearby shelters in Lawson and El Dorado.

Entergy has also de-energized power lines in the area as crews work to improve containment.

Evacuation shelters are available for those who are voluntarily evacuating at Emmanuel Baptist Church (3209 W. Hillsboro) and El Dorado Municipal Auditorium (100 W.

8th St.) KATV is working to obtain new information, such as the containment percentage and whether further evacuation procedures are required.