Our favorite outdoor destination, Boxley Valley, erupted in flames earlier this week. On Sunday, Dec. 12th, 2017, two fires were reported along Highway 21. The Buffalo Outdoor Center has been keeping Arkansans updated with pictures of the devastation. Let’s look at the latest news on the wildfire.

Reports of two separate fires came in last Sunday.
Facebook/Buffalo National River
Response has been directed by Buffalo National River’s Fire Module with on-the-ground assistance of the Arkansas Forestry Commission and the Compton Volunteer Fire Department.
By Monday the two fires merged. Luckily they have stayed in the containment zone.
Facebook/Buffalo National River
Firefighters are working to reinforce the zone with hand-lines and bulldozer lines.
Here are the initial photos of the fire.
Facebook/Buffalo National River/J. Rose, Buffalo Outdoor Center
Firefighters are being challenged by the near vertical hillsides in rough terrain.
It's surprising that the fire hasn't spread further.
Facebook/Buffalo Outdoor Center
The area is under a burn ban and has unusually high winds.

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The containment zone is about 425 acres.
Facebook/Buffalo Outdoor Center
Most of the zone is on federally-owned land. No property damage nor injuries have occurred.
On Wednesday, the fire was reported as 100% contained.
Facebook/Buffalo Outdoor Center
The fire is burning through the remnants of the 2009 ice storm which had left a number of fallen trees.
The fire will be monitored until the winter rains can ensure safety.
Facebook/Buffalo Outdoor Center
Officials are investigating, but for now the cause is unknown.
Seeing these pictures stir a weird mix of emotions. They're oddly beautiful but unquestionably devastating.
Facebook/Buffalo Outdoor Center
A wild-land firefighter makes a smart point about the whole situation, "Yes, its destructive and leaves our beautiful mountains looking bad for a short time but it clears debris, ground clutter and underbrush allowing a rebirth in the spring that will allow for a more vibrant forest." We're looking forward to our Boxley Valley returning to its natural vibrancy.

You can watch the news report about the fire through this link.

And you can stay updated through Buffalo Outdoor Center’s Facebook Page.

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