With wind farm and oil and gas operators in the western half of the state paying close attention to the possibility of wildfires, Gov. Mary Fallin this week expanded a burn ban.
Her order on Monday expanded the ban from 16 counties to 36 counties because of the extreme and extraordinary fire danger.
The burn ban will remain in effect indefinitely for the following counties: Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cimarron, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grady, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Jefferson, Kay, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Logan, Major, Noble, Oklahoma, Osage, Pawnee, Roger Mills, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Washita, Woods and Woodward.
Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb, who is acting governor while Gov. Fallin attends an economic development trip in Florida also signed an executive order easing trucking regulations to help with fire relief. His order eases hay deliveries and the transportation of equipment and crews to restore electrical, sewer, water and telecommunications to areas affected by the wildfires.
Lamb, who is acting governor while Governor Mary Fallin is in Florida on an economic development-related trip, also signed an executive order easing trucking regulations directly related to fire relief. The order will ease hay deliveries and hauling in equipment and crews to restore electrical, sewer, water and telecommunications to the areas affected by wildfires.
“We have seen unprecedented fire conditions develop over the last week that created the dangerous wildfires that have burned over 400,000 acres so far,” said Lamb. “An expanded burn ban is called for to reduce the risk of preventable wildfires and to protect lives and property.”
Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) recommended the ban based upon an ongoing analysis of fire activity, wildland fuel conditions, and the predicted continued drought. Lamb said people should be extremely careful with any outdoor activities that might spark a blaze.
“We have worked hard to prepare for these historically dangerous conditions,” said George Geissler, OFS director. “We are working with our partners within the state as well as bringing in tremendous regional and national resources in an effort to keep Oklahomans safe. We currently have an additional 200 firefighters, along with equipment and vehicles, and multiple aircraft.”
Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, and setting fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes, as well as igniting fireworks, burning trash or other materials outdoors. LPG and natural gas grills and charcoal-fired cooking outside in a grilling receptacle are permitted, provided the activity is conducted over a non-flammable surface and at least 5 feet from flammable vegetation, but any fire resulting from grilling or use of one of the cookers or stoves is still considered an illegal fire.
