VIDEO: Imagine more than half of Arkansas burnt to a crisp - that's a rough estimate as to the size of the ongoing Australian wildfires. These fires have been particularly intense due to warmer than average temperatures and a persistent drought. Dr. Marty Matlock is a Professor of Ecological Engineering at the University of Arkansas. He also serves as Executive Director of the University of Arkansas Resiliency Center. He's been keeping an eye on the Australian wildfires. Luckily, Arkansas has been spared from a long heatwave this summer. The state has also received above-average rainfall to keep forests from becoming too dry. Dr. Matlock says this - combined with efficient land management - has kept Arkansas safe.