HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (KTHV) -- Arkansas is in one of the worst droughts in the state's history and the potential for wildfires is greater than at any time this year.

The U.S. Forest Service puts boots on the ground when wildfires ignite and say all agencies, no matter the uniform are chipping in.

"Earlier this month, we were open 24 hours a day at the dispatch center. This hot dry weather has increased fire danger across the Oachita and Ozark-St.Francis National Forests," says Debbie Ugbade.

She says the agency is asking Arkansans not to use outdoor power equipment in an effort to prevent wildfires.

"If they are using equipment such as a lawnmower or chainsaw, the blade could cause a a spark that could ignite a fire," says Ugbade.

A spark much like the one that caused 1,400 of Yell county to burn Wednesday after a state contracted mower clipped a rock with his bushhog while mowing along Highway 7. Even with a few drops of rain in the forecast, the National Weather Service says the outlook isn't good.

"The long range outlook through August certainly above normal temperatures, below normal rainfall, about the same as we've had. September will probably be likewise," says John Robinson with the National Weather Service.

Not much hope for now, but Robinson says a change of the weather pattern could come by November.

"Typically when we get into a El Nino pattern in the fall and into the winter, we end up with more rainfall," says Robinson.

But until the relief arrives, the U.S. Forest service remains on standby ready to fight at a moment's notice.

"If we're called into assist, we'll bring in our air power, our equipment, our crews and work for the common goal of getting the fire out and protecting resources and keeping people safe," says Robinson.

Though we've had our fair share of wildfires this year, it could be a lot worse. The U.S. Forest says they are working a wildfire in Nebraska and parts of Oklahoma that so far has consumed more than 20,000 acres of land destroying homes and property.

The U.S. Forest Service has few more tips for preventing fires. They say do not park on your lawn or in any grassy area as your exhaust pipe could ignite dry, dead vegetation. Remember, if it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.