Logan County no longer under Governor Burn Ban

Updated on April 26, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. — Governor Mary Fallin Modifies Burn Ban

OKLAHOMA CITY – Due to significant rainfall across the state, Governor Mary Fallin today issued a proclamation reducing the number of counties included in the burn ban from 36 to 14, including Logan County. This change came at the recommendation of Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) after an analysis of the impact of the rainfall in the affected counties.

Counties that remain under the governor’s burn ban are: Beaver, Beckham, Cimarron, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Major, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward.

“Wetting rains have reduced the dangerous wildfire conditions that were prevalent in a large part of the state for the past few weeks,” said OFS Director and State Forester George Geissler.  “However, there are some parts of the state still at risk for additional fire danger.”

While the governor has the authority to issue burn bans for multiple counties, county commissioners also issue bans for their individual counties.  There are currently no county burn bans in effect, but citizens should always check with local officials or visit www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information to see if county burn bans are in place before doing any type of burning.

“We have seen the devastation that wildfires have caused in our state over the past few months, and I urge citizens to continue to be vigilant, especially in those counties still under burn bans,” Fallin said.

OFS is the state’s lead agency related to wildland fire prevention and protection. For additional information about wildfires, visit www.forestry.ok.gov/wildfire-information.

Original article on April 16, 2018

OKLAHOMA CITY – Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb today extended and expanded a burn ban from 16 counties to include 36 counties in western and central Oklahoma, including Logan County, due to extreme and extraordinary fire danger.

Lamb, who is acting governor while Governor Mary Fallin is in Florida on an economic development-related trip, also signed an executive order easing trucking regulations directly related to fire relief.  The order will ease hay deliveries and hauling in equipment and crews to restore electrical, sewer, water and telecommunications to the areas affected by wildfires.

Conditions have deteriorated since the burn ban was amended Feb. 23, prompting the expansion. The governor’s burn ban supersedes existing county burn bans. This list is frequently updated by county commissioners and can be viewed anytime on the OFS website at  www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-info.

“We have seen unprecedented fire conditions develop over the last week that created the dangerous wildfires that have burned over 400,000 acres so far,” said Lamb. “An expanded burn ban is called for to reduce the risk of preventable wildfires and to protect lives and property.”

Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) recommended the ban based upon an ongoing analysis of fire activity, wildland fuel conditions, and the predicted continued drought. Lamb said people should be extremely careful with any outdoor activities that might spark a blaze.

“We have worked hard to prepare for these historically dangerous conditions,” said George Geissler, OFS director. “We are working with our partners within the state as well as bringing in tremendous regional and national resources in an effort to keep Oklahomans safe.  We currently have an additional 200 firefighters, along with equipment and vehicles, and multiple aircraft.”

Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, and setting fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes, as well as igniting fireworks, burning trash or other materials outdoors. LPG and natural gas grills and charcoal-fired cooking outside in a grilling receptacle are permitted, provided the activity is conducted over a non-flammable surface and at least 5 feet from flammable vegetation, but any fire resulting from grilling or use of one of the cookers or stoves is still considered an illegal fire.

As part of the governor’s burn ban, there are exemptions for many items, such as welding and road construction. For more specific information and details, visit www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-info or call (405) 586-0404.