Agricultural News
Extreme Wildfire Danger Expected Across Oklahoma
Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:50:44 CST
A fire weather watch has been issued for southwest Oklahoma, but Oklahoma Forestry Services, a Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, wants the public to be aware that exceptional to extreme drought conditions mean fire danger is high statewide. Burn bans have been declared in a number of counties across the state.
"Drought conditions coupled with periods of strong, gusty winds and minimal precipitation mean that fire danger is continuing to escalate across the state," said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. "We ask all Oklahomans to be extra careful when doing any activity which could spark a wildfire."
Associate State Climatologist Gary McManus says fire dangers will be extreme throughout the day Wednesday with low relative humidities and winds gusting to over 50 miles per hour.
Outdoor burning is discouraged and citizens are asked to report any new fires or suspicious smoke to the closest fire department. Safety of the firefighters and public is of the utmost concern and, with this week's weather forecast, one of the main threats for firefighters will be rapid spread of any fire start.
For a current list of bans, as well as a link to the burn ban resolutions, click here.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
