Governor amends Oklahoma burn ban; city remains under ban

Due to recent rainfall across the state, Governor Mary Fallin is amending the “Governor Declared Burn Ban” beginning on Tuesday.

Beginning today, September 27, 2011 at 1:00 p.m., the ban will be lifted for 28 Oklahoma counties, including Logan.

However, the City of Guthrie remains in effect of the burn ban inside the city limits.

Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, fireworks, setting trash on fire, grass, woods and other materials outdoors.

Gas and charcoal grilling is allowed provided that it is over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation.

“The drought continues to persist across Oklahoma, but the recent light rains have given some counties a temporary reprieve from extreme fire conditions,” Fallin said. “Individual counties can utilize more localized data, conditions and fire occurrence to decide if burn bans are called for on a county level.”

Despite the amendment, Logan County officials are asking for your help before burning.

“If residents are going to be doing any burning please call their local fire department to let them know it is a control burn,” Logan County Emergency Manager David  Ball explained. “If they are burning and the fire gets out of hand call 911. Don’t try to put it out yourself and then call. A five, or 10 minute delay in calling for help might mean the difference of a burnt 10 acres turning into a burnt 100 acres.”

“Even though there will be no burn ban people are still responsible for their actions,” Ball concluded.

For a complete view of all Oklahoma counties visit www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information