Agricultural News
Tuesday, January 4, 2022, Fire Situation Report: Yesterday's Dryness Increases Today's Risk
Tue, 04 Jan 2022 09:21:32 CST
Statewide Discussion: Fire danger indices will increase statewide today following a strong drying day yesterday. Above normal temperatures, a dry air mass with an approaching cold front and moderate winds over receptive fuels will support expectation of new fire occurrence today. Marginal overnight moisture recovery will open the door for an earlier start to the burning period as relative humidity values drop this afternoon. Dry conditions continue through the remainder of the week holding fire danger firmly in place supporting above normal probability of new fire occurrence, although large fire occurrence probability is relatively low and significant fires are not expected.
Today: Temperatures will generally be 10-15? above normal coupled with dew point temperatures in the teens and 20?'s opening the door for relative humidity values below 30% over most of Oklahoma. Dormant fuels will be receptive this afternoon in the dry scenario and wind speeds will support moderate to rapid rates of fire spread in rangeland fuels.
· Central Oklahoma: In an broad swath along the I-35 corridor, afternoon relative humidity values will register 19-27% with temperatures 56?-63?. Some afternoon clouds in the north may limit fine-dead fuel moisture from bottoming out but fuels will be receptive at 5-6%. Southwest winds sustained 15-19 mph gusting near 30 mph this afternoon will diminish becoming variable after sunset. Grass dominated fuels will support head fire rates of spread 181-214 ft/min during peak burning conditions with flame lengths 12-14 ft. Mixed fuels will exhibit ROS nearer to 100 ft/min with FL 19 ft.
· Eastern Oklahoma: Along and east of US 75/Indian Nation Turnpike, temperatures in the mid- to upper-50?'s and afternoon relative humidity values 26-34% will encourage fine-dead fuel moisture values this afternoon 6-7% noting that potential for some sky cover (north) may limit fuels from tapping critical value. South to southwest winds sustained 15-20 mph with higher gusts (especially north) during peak burning conditions will support potential for rapid rates of fire spread between 2:00-4:30 PM. Grass dominated fuels where grazing/haying have been absent will support head fire rates of spread 180-248 ft/min and flame lengths 16-20 ft. Timber/Grass fuels support ROS around 105 ft/min with FL 7-9 ft.
· Western OK / OK Panhandle: Temperatures 60?-67? and relative humidity values 14-22% will offer very receptive fine fuels at 5% with several sites tapping 4%. Wind speeds will be strongest in the morning to the midday period with an approaching cold front gusting around 30 mph at times. Winds will gradually shift to the northwest through the day northwest and evening southwest sustained 15-20 mph with gusts near 30 mph. Rangeland fuels will produce head fire rates of spread 178-238 ft/min with flame lengths 12-15 ft.
Wednesday: Dry conditions continue although fire weather inputs moderate a bit with more seasonal temperatures, improved relative humidity values and lighter winds. Initial attack activity is likely to continue although rates of fire spread and fireline intensity will be conducive to successful initial attack.
Near Term: Dry conditions prevail through the week with scant opportunity for any precipitation. A quick glance at the extended forecast information holds little hope for meaningful improvement regarding fire danger. While no significant fire weather is in the near-term, fuels remain dry and receptive.
Burn Bans: Alfalfa, Beaver, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Cimarron, Comanche, Custer, Dewey, Garvin, Harper, Jackson, Jefferson, Kiowa, Logan, Love, Major, Stephens, Texas and Woodward.
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