Fire in Saline County now 100% contained

SALINE COUNTY, AR – The East End Fire Department says a 15-20 acre wildfire in Saline County near Hensley is now fully contained.

The wildfire broke out near Hensley Mail Route Road and Long Road, west of I-530.

Firefighters with the Arkansas Forestry Commission believe the fire could have started when a pine needle fell on a hot stump or a log smoldering from a previous fire in the same location. East End Fire Chief Rusty Long says a fire June 30th burned 150 acres in the same area.

Arkansas Forestry Commission crews will stay on scene to monitor any hot spots.

Long says 20 homes in the area did not have to be evacuated and were never in any immediate danger. Neighbors say they were prepared to go just in case. Freddie McKinney says if a fire ever comes on the northside of his property he'll probably lose everything.

3 dozers and 1 air tanker helped contain the flames from spreading much more than 20 acres.

Fire crews ask anyone who sees smoke to call 911 immediately.