Oklahoma Under Burn Ban as Wild Fires Rage Across State

Governor Brad Henry issued a statewide burn ban throughout Oklahoma in November. It was discontinued in late March of 2006, but the Governor's office then reinstated the ban on March 27th. It was again discontinued for the majority of the state on May 3rd, then for the rest of the state on May 16th.

On August 2, 2006, the statewide burn ban was once again in effect for Oklahoma. And in what has turned out to be somewhat of a back-and-forth situation, the burn ban was removed in many Oklahoma counties on September 12, 2006 and again for most of the state on October 16, 2006.

The burn ban was finally removed for the final 4 counties (Garfield, Grant, Pawnee and Osage) on December 4, 2006. The following forms of burning were illegal under the burn ban:

• Fireworks that are not part of an organized display approved by local fire officials
• Discarding lit cigarettes
• Burning leaves or garbage
• Bonfires
• Outdoor campfires of any kind
• Outdoor welding without exemption from Agriculture, Food and Forestry Department

Any violations of the burn ban could have been charged as misdemeanors, punishable by fines as high as $500 with possible jail time.

There are a number of things you can do to help avoid any possible fires. First, and most importantly, make sure to abide by the guidelines of any burn ban that may be in effect. In fact, don't even risk grilling or campfires unless absolutely necessary when fire dangers are high.

In addition:

• Keep grass around your home cut short.
• Keep dried leaves or cut grass around your home picked up.
• Keep all matches, lighters or fireworks away from kids.
• Check your home's gutters for dried debris.
• Trim dead branches from trees.

If you see a fire or hazardous conditions, please report them. Many of the metro area fire departments and emergency services will not be available to answer the phone during extremely busy times. However, they will likely have the opportunity to leave a message. Here are some helpful numbers:

• Oklahoma State Fire Marshal - (405) 522-5005
• Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management - (405) 521-2481
• Oklahoma City Fire Department (Prevention) - (405) 297-3584
• Edmond Fire Department - (405) 359-4303
• Yukon Fire Department - (405) 354-2133
• Midwest City Fire Department - (405) 739-1354
• Guthrie Fire Department - (405) 282-4433
• Moore Fire Department - (405) 799-4357

In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up a toll free number for Oklahomans who sustained property damage in fires since December 1, 2005. They can call (800) 621-3362 from 8 am - 6 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Residents in the following counties are elible for assistance: Canadian, Cotton, Garvin, Hughes, Lincoln, Logan, Mayes, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Pottawatomie, Seminole and Stephens.