Agricultural News
Latest Fire Situation Report Shows No Burn Bans Currently, but High Fire Danger Warnings Across the State
Mon, 08 Nov 2021 13:32:56 CST
Statewide Discussion: Subdued fire danger is anticipated through the week overall with fuels in a transitional state across most of Oklahoma, and weather lacking critical elements driving fire danger concerns.
Following passage of a cold front, rain chances increase Wednesday with highest probabilities in eastern Oklahoma. A series of cold fronts will result in a trend toward cooler temperatures late in the week as well.
New wildfires are not expected to present undue challenges with very good probability if initial attack success.
Today: The highest fire danger today will be reserved for the western two-thirds of the Oklahoma Panhandle where fine-dead fuel moisture values may tap 4% locally for a time this afternoon although cold front timing may aid in holding those value at 5% if max temperatures do not reach the 70°'s. Northerly winds around 10 mph will limit rates of fire spread to 75-95 ft./min. with headfire flame lengths around 8 ft. Initial attack success is expected to be very good. Elsewhere, fine-dead fuel moisture values will be held above critical levels with afternoon relative humidity levels ranging from 25% northwest to +40% southeast.
Temperatures will again be above normal today ahead of a cold front with southerly winds 10-19 mph along with some higher gusts. Transitional fuels will afford respectable opportunity to contain any new wildfire.
Near-Term: A series of cold fronts, rain/storm chances and cooler temperatures will hold concerning fire danger at bay through the week. No critical fire weather/fire danger concerns stick out in the current forecast information. Fuels are considered transitional at this time outside of the Panhandle counties where repeated freezing conditions have occurred. The October rains did serve to drive short-term flush of greenness in many locations following a very dry September.
Ongoing fuels and fuel loading assessments point to many areas of the state classified as above-normal to well abovenormal loading on the heels of a wet spring/early summer. Fuels will be driven into dormancy as freezing conditions occur moving through fall. A more complete seasonal wildfire outlook for Oklahoma will be developed in the weeks ahead, but early indicators are pacing emphasis
Burn Bans: None
Refer to http://www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-info for the most current burn ban information and links to specific burn ban proclamations.
OK-FIRE Training: No-Cost training opportunities are avaialbe November 17 & 18 as well as December 8 & 9 covering the utility of OK-FIRE pertaining to wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke management. Classes will be conducted virtually utilizing the Zoom platform and are intended for new and experieinced users.
A more detailed course description and registration details can be found at: https://www.mesonet.org/index.php/okfire/news
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