Agricultural News
Monday, January 10, 2022, Fire Situation Report: Three Fires Burned 150 Acres This Weekend
Mon, 10 Jan 2022 09:57:26 CST
According to Monday's Fire Situation Report from the Oklahoma Forestry Services, one fire in southcentral Oklahoma burned 60 acres. Two fires in southeastern Oklahoma burned 90 acres.
Statewide Discussion: A weak weather system that once held some promise of precipitation has shifted further south resulting in the expectation of dry conditions through the week. Afternoon relative humidity values today and Tuesday will drop below 30% across most of Oklahoma driving dry and receptive fuels along with persistent initial attack activity. Large fire and significant fire potential will be limited lacking a fire-effective weather system and diurnal winds peaking only during the late afternoon hours early in the week.
Today: With dew point temperatures in the teens and afternoon air temperature warming into the 50?'s this afternoon under clear skies, relative humidity values will dip into the 18-29% range across the state. Fine-dead fuel moisture will register 6% at most sites with some 5% observations in the Panhandle and northwest Oklahoma. Westerly winds sustained 5-10 mph with light gusts will limit fire spread potential. Rangeland fuels will support rates of fire spread less than 90 ft/min unless slope is greater than 20%. Mixed fuels (grass/brush/timber) will generate ROS less than 50 ft/min. Probability of initial attack success is very good.
Tuesday: Temperatures will be slightly warmer, with afternoon relative humidity values again less than 30% across much of the state. Winds also increase by a notch or two supporting a bit more active fire behavior potential. The highest fire danger indices will develop in the northwest and Panhandle counties where the best afternoon alignment of fire environment inputs will exist. Given current forecast data, temperatures in the mid-50?'s to low-60?'s and relative humidity values in the teens/20%'s will support receptive fine fuels ranging from 4% in the western Panhandle to 6-7% in eastern Oklahoma. Southwest winds sustained 15-20 mph along and north of I-44 and spread 7-18 south of I-44 will support increased rates of fire spread. Grass dominated, range fuels will support rates of spread around 165 ft/min. Heavier fuel loads in the Panhandle and across northern Oklahoma may support ROS in excess of 200 ft/min during the peak of the burning period.
Near Term: A glance at the week ahead does not reveal any overly concerning day with regard to critical fire weather or significant fire occurrence. That said, the cumulative dryness that is fully established in western Oklahoma cannot be ignored. Initial attack actions are expected to be successful, but some large fire occurrence is expected especially where fuels are in alignment with both winds and topography.
See the map above for the latest list of Oklahoma counties under burn bans.
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