Yell County fire update: Reports that firefighters had contained the fire earlier were optimistic.
Photo above is among several posted on the Facebook page of the Yell County Record.
Scattered reports of structure damage, including, according to LR TV stations, to two barns and a mobile home. Tension is high. Roads are closed and only emergency crews are being allowed in certain areas, though the evacuation of the town of Ola turned out to be a recommendation, not mandatory and many residents stayed in their homes. Farmers have livestock to worry about, however. And the fireworks warehouse remains a concern. Falling ash from the fires is spread over a wide area.
UPDATE THURSDAY MORNING: TV reporters at the scene report the fire has been contained with big help from aerial tankers after burning over some 1,400 acres. The fire still burns but officials apparently believe they can prevent a spread.