PRESS RELEASE

IN THE MATTER
OF
FIRE HAZARDS,

HEMPSTEAD COUNTY, ARKANSAS

EXECUTIVE ORDER
COURT ORDER #2022-25

Due to the lack of recent sufficient rainfall and the prospect of continued rapidly dying
conditions, the necessity arises to ban all outdoor burning and the discharge of all fireworks in
Hempstead County, Arkansas.

SECTION I. The court finds that an emergency situation exists in Hempstead County and the hazard
potential to life and property is such that a ban against outdoor burning and the discharge of all
fireworks is hereby declared until such time as the Executive Order is lifted.

SECTION II. A.C.A. 12-75-108 provides that a local disaster emergency may be declared only by the
chief executive or his or her designee of a political subdivision. The chief executive officer in
Hempstead County, Arkansas, is Hempstead County Judge Jerry T. Crane.

SECTION Ill. This order shall be enforceable through Hempstead County District Court. Citations
shall be issued by the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office, the Arkansas Forestry Commission or any
Arkansas Certified Officer. Setting on fire or causing or procuring to be set on fire any forest,
brush or other flammable material in violation of this Order shall be considered a Class A
misdemeanor under A.C.A. 5-38-310.

Entered this 8ᵗʰ day of July, 2022

Judge Jerry T. Crane,
Hempstead County Judge