Agricultural News
Latest Fire Situation Report Shows No Burn Bans Currently In Effect But Ice Storm Clean-up efforts Continue
Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:23:07 CST
Looking at the Latest Fire Situation Report for November 2. Portions of Oklahoma continue to recover from an impactful winter storm that occurred last week. Precipitation from that storm has served to relax Energy Release Component values and make a bit of a dent in the drought indices. However, a killing freeze across northern Oklahoma and most of western Oklahoma has thrust herbaceous fuels into dormancy. Herbaceous fuels in southeast Oklahoma remain in transition and leaf fall continues to progress with shading/sheltering from leaf cover to be less of a benefit through the week ahead. A dry week ahead is expected and while fire danger is expected to be moderate overall, the amount of storm debris pile burning expected may prove to result in an uptick in wildfire occurrence.
Today: No significant fire danger is expected with moistened fuels and the absence of significant fire weather. Temperatures will range from the mid-60°'s in southeastern Oklahoma to the mid-70°'s in northwest Oklahoma with relative humidity values settling around 30% across the bulk of the state noting that 18-25% observations are likely in northwest and Panhandle counties where fine-dead fuel moisture values 5-6% across the state (4% obs likely in western Panhandle). Light and variable winds today will become south to southwest this afternoon sustained 7-15 mph with some gusts around 20 mph along and north of I-44. Overall fire behavior is expected to be moderate with brief fire danger development during the afternoon that will wane after sunset. Initial attack efforts are expected to be successful.
Tuesday: Somewhat warmer temperatures and increased wind speeds will result in moderate fire danger indices with some areas briefly tapping the high fire danger indices.
Good overnight moisture recovery will restrict fire danger development to the afternoon hours that will gradually diminish after sunset. Temperatures will be in the mid- to upper-70°'s with afternoon relative humidity values 25-35% (18% in Cimarron County) with fin-dead fuel moisture values again 5-6% across the state with a 4% observation likely in Cimarron County. Rates of fire spread on established wildfires will be moderate with grass fuels generally less than 100 ft./min. and timber fuels in the 12-30 ft./min. range. Initial attack activity will likely be successful. Near Term Outlook:
We will update the Oklahoma Wildfire Situation Report Wednesday morning to look at the remainder of the week. Overall, moderate fire danger indices are likely each afternoon with successful initial attack expected. A weak cold front Wednesday evening into Thursday is not expected to result in an uptick in fire danger.
A bit of attention will need to be given to the fire weather conditions leading into the next weather system with winds increasing into the weekend. Although, current forecast information lacks the fuels and weather alignment that would pose elevated concern.
Special Note to Public: In the wake of a very strong and impactful winter weather event that resulted in widespread tree damage, Oklahomans are encouraged to exercise caution when burning debris piles. Avoid burning on days when winds are likely to pose threat from lofting embers or firebrands into receptive fuels. Also, insure that any outdoor burning is in compliance with local ordinance. If you are going to burn a pile, please consider the following:
· Stay with the pile while it burns and fully drown out the ashes when completed.
· Have fire suppression equipment at the ready including water, shovel, rake, garden hose or extinguisher.
· Be considerate with your smoke. Check wind direction and proximity to areas that may be impacted by smoke including roadways and buildings.
· If the fire escapes your control, dial 911 immediately.
Burn Bans: No Burn Bans currently in effect. **NOTE** Refer to http://www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-info for the most current burn ban information and links to specific burn ban proclamations.
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