Arkansas Gets Air Support From Oklahoma, Mississippi

Arkansas is getting some extra help from the air as firefighters continue battling wildfires across the state.

The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) announced Friday that Oklahoma and Mississippi have sent Chinook helicopters to assist with firefighting efforts at the Bunker Fire in Calhoun County, located between Camden and Hampton.

The two states are providing two Chinook helicopters equipped with 2,000-gallon Bambi buckets, which allow the aircraft to scoop and drop large amounts of water directly onto active fire areas.

The assistance is being provided through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a system that allows states to share personnel and equipment during emergencies.

Crews Will Join Arkansas Firefighters

Mississippi has sent a five-person crew for a six-day mission, while Oklahoma has deployed a six-person crew for five days. The aviation missions begin today, Friday, September 18.

ADEM Director AJ Gary said the additional aircraft will strengthen the ability of state and local agencies to battle the Bunker Fire.

“We appreciate Mississippi and Oklahoma for joining Arkansas in this coordinated mission,” Gary said. “Their aviation support strengthens state and local agencies’ ability to contain the Bunker Fire.”

The Bunker Fire is one of several wildfires that have prompted increased firefighting activity in Arkansas in recent days. The addition of the two heavy-lift helicopters gives crews another tool for attacking difficult-to-reach areas and slowing the fire's spread.

Oklahoma and Mississippi Join Multi-State Response

The deployment is part of a coordinated, multi-state response to Arkansas' wildfire situation. The crews and aircraft will work alongside Arkansas agencies as efforts continue to contain the Bunker Fire.

Current Arkansas Wildfires as of Friday, Sept 18, 2026 - ADEM

Source: Arkansas Division of Emergency Management

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