OKLAHOMA CITY — Officials with Oklahoma Forestry Services are preparing for potentially extreme fire danger in western Oklahoma Thursday and Friday. Current fire weather forecast is also calling for elevated fire danger across the remainder of Oklahoma, except for southeastern Oklahoma.
Firefighting resources have been prepositioned in Woodward and Weatherford in advance of the predicted fire weather. This includes OFS wildland task forces and US Forest Service aviation resources. Additionally, Oklahoma National Guard helicopters are on standby in central Oklahoma.
“Very strong burning conditions are expected with warm temperatures and extremely low relative humidity Thursday through Friday,” said Drew Daily, fire staff officer for OFS. “With very little moisture recovery expected in the overnight hours, any fire starting has the potential to spread rapidly and burn through the night.”
Citizens are urged to be cautious not to spark a wildfire and to report any suspicious smoke or fire to their closest fire department or by calling 911. Homeowners can also make their home more defensible by moving trash, debris and other flammable items like firewood piles or portable propane tanks a safe distance away from their home.
“Under these extreme conditions we are strongly discouraging any burning Thursday and Friday,” said State Forester George Geissler.
Several counties remain under a Governor’s Burn Ban and County Commissioner Burn Bans. Visit www.forestry.ok.gov for the latest fire information and county burn ban resolutions.
Oklahoma Forestry Services is the state’s lead agency related to wildland fire prevention, protection and use. For additional information about wildfires, visitwww.forestry.ok.gov/wildfire-information .
—Oklahoma Forestry Services
For more articles out of Oklahoma, click here.