Dry week in Oklahoma has firefighters on alert for wildfires

New Year’s week sees only a slight chance of moisture in northern Oklahoma and state forestry officials believe wildfire chances are not high.

The latest wildfire update from the Oklahoma Forestry Department indicated drying conditions will continue Tuesday but winds will be light, thus limiting the opportunity for fire spread potential.

“Wednesday into Thursday: Warmer and windier conditions on Wednesday are forecasted ahead of the next chance of
precipitation although relative humidity values are not expected to work to drive fine-fuels into the critical range,” stated the wildfire report.

“New fires should exhibit little resistance to control. While some precipitation chances are in the forecast across northern Oklahoma, potential amounts are limited.”

The report indicated there is no “particularly concerning fire danger expected this week.”

However, the report urged local firefighters to scout potential engine access before committing engines on any fireline due to recent rainfall and soft soils.

At least one county has a burn ban in effect. It is Texas County in the Panhandle.