OKLAHOMA CITY — Both live and dead fuel moisture values have improved following the rainfall that occurred late week. A reinforcing shot of moisture is in the forecast, and further improvement is expected in the offing. Comparatively moderated fire danger today limited by somewhat elevated afternoon relative humidity values and improving fuel moisture.
Today [April 22nd], clear skies in the west and clearing in the east are expected as temperatures warm into the low 70°’s following a cool start. Afternoon relative humidity values will be lowest in the western Panhandle at 30% with 32-40% across the western counties and 38-55% east. Light and variable winds this morning will develop to northerly around 10 mph with some shift to easterly by this afternoon. Any new fires will present only moderate fire behavior with high probability of initial attack success.
The next round of forecast precipitation will come Tuesday into Wednesday with best opportunity south of Interstate 40; however a reinforcing shot of moisture is hopeful over the current incidents. Warming soil temperatures in improved upper soil moisture will promote a flush of green.
For the full Fire Situation report for April 23, 2018, please go to: http://www.forestry.ok.gov/Websites/forestry/images/Fire%20Situation%20Reports/Fire%20Situation%20Report%2004-23-18.pdf
- For updates, please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OklahomaForestry/ and Twitter @OKForestService
- For statewide questions regarding the wildfires in terms of area and acres burned: Shawna Hartman, Public Information Officer, at Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry – Forestry Services office, (405) 586-0404.
- For specific questions regarding the 34 Complex (primarily Woodward County, but extending into some bordering counties): phone, (405) 730-9107 and email, Ok34complexfire@gmail.com. The Incident Command Post is located at the Woodward County Fairgrounds, 108 Temple Houston Drive, Building B, in Woodward.
- For specific questions regarding the Rhea Fire (primarily Dewey County, but extending into some bordering counties): phone, (580) 774-3194 and email, Rheafireinformation@gmail.com. The Incident Command Post is located at the SWOSU Pioneer Cellular Event Center, 900 North 7th St., in Weatherford.
Oklahoma Forestry Services is the state’s lead agency related to wildland fire prevention, protection and use. For additional information about wildfires, visit www.forestry.ok.gov/wildfire-information.
–Oklahoma Forestry Services
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