Friday, October 14, 2011
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that the Governor’s Burn Ban will be modified effective Tuesday, October 18 at 1:00 p.m. This change is due to rainfall across portions of the state over the past week. Most county commissioners meet Monday and can assess local conditions and consider independently implementing countywide burn bans at that time.
Fourteen counties remain under the Governor’s Burn Ban: Atoka, Beaver, Beckham, Bryan, Choctaw, Cimarron, Coal, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, McCurtain, Pushmataha, Texas, and Tillman. Additional County Commissioner bans are in effect (click here for a map of current burn bans).
“Parts of Oklahoma remain under extreme drought conditions and the threat of wildfire remains a concern in those counties,” said Governor Fallin.
Unlawful activities under the ban include open flames, campfires, bonfires, and setting fire to trash, grass, woods or other materials outdoors. Gas and charcoal grilling is allowed provided that it is over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation.
“With the cooler fall temperatures and more people enjoying time outdoors there is a greater risk for wildfires by activities such as campfires, even in those counties where they are not banned,” said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester.
As part of the Governor’s Burn Ban there are exemptions for a number of items such as welding and road construction. For a list of all exemptions and the latest county burn ban information visit www.forestry.ok.gov or call Michelle Finch-Walker at Oklahoma Forestry Services 580-236-1021.