Cold rain remnants from Hurricane Francine responsible for massive blackfish kill-off in St. Francis County

Heth, Arkansas – The serene waters of Lake Francis have turned into a scene of devastation as thousands of fish were found dead, creating a pungent odor that has left residents struggling to spend time outdoors.

The fish kill, attributed to the remnants of Hurricane Francine, has caused significant concern among the local community.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) explained that the phenomenon occurred due to a process known as “lake turnover.” Randy Zellers, assistant director of communications at AGFC, stated, "Cold rain from Francine caused Blackfish Lake to flip, killing the fish. All the cold water hits it at the same time, and it actually flips. All the oxygenated water at the surface drops to the bottom, and all the water that doesn’t have much oxygen in it flips to the top, and the fish can get caught in that".

Residents have been advised not to attempt to pick up or consume the dead fish, as they are beginning to decompose and could pose health risks. Zellers mentioned that scavengers would likely consume some of the fish, and the rest would eventually sink to the bottom of the lake.

The AGFC has assured residents that the smell should dissipate in a few days, but the community remains concerned about the long-term impact on the lake’s ecosystem and their quality of life.

For now, the residents of Lake Francis are left to endure the aftermath of this natural disaster, hoping for swift action to restore their beloved lake to its former state.