Multiple fires throughout Southeast Arkansas were reported Wednesday afternoon, despite a burn ban that had been issued earlier in the day.
One of the most serious fires was reported on Highway 104 at Interstate 530 and there were reports that people living near Family Church were being evacuated but that was not confirmed.
Winds with speeds of 40 to 50 miles per hour blew the flames in that fire, causing Interstate 530 to be closed in both directions when the visibility was reduced because of the heavy smoke.
Southeast Arkansas College sent a notice to students and faculty about that fire, saying they were aware that students and faculty members used those highways and issued a warning that traffic was backed up in both directions.
The highways were later reopened to traffic.
Additional fires were reported in the Dollarway area behind Hestand Stadium, on Highway 425 near Grider Field Road, and in the Watson Chapel area but those blazes were contained and there were no reports of injuries.
One of the fires in Pine Bluff was reportedly caused by an individual burning leaves but that has not been confirmed.
By about 7 p.m., 54 wildfires had been reported statewide.
