Agricultural News
Monday, February 7, 2022, Fire Situation Report: More Than 1,600 Acres Burned
Mon, 07 Feb 2022 09:55:05 CST
According to the latest Fire Situation Report from the Oklahoma Forestry Services, approximately 1,621 acres burned in Oklahoma from wildfire activity.
· In northeastern Oklahoma, seven fires burned 92.5 Acres
· In east-central Oklahoma, eight fires burned 410 Acres
· In southeastern Oklahoma, nine fires burned 311.6 Acres
Large / Significant Fire Activity within the OFS Protection Area:
• The Pigeon Creek Ridge fire in Latimer County burned 102 Acres and is 100% contained
• The White Rock fire in Latimer County burned 200 and is 100% contained
• The Fish Farm Road fire in Pushmataha County burned 205 Acres and is 100% contained
Fire Activity with OFS Response Outside of the Protection Area:
• The Salt Creek Landing fire in Choctaw County burned about 300 Acres and is 100% contained
Statewide Discussion: Last week's winter storm served to alleviate fire danger concerns for a bit although assessing precipitation amounts as melting occurs does not indicate that the moisture will do much to offset the overall dryness. The week ahead holds above-normal high temperatures and dry conditions which will drive strong drying conditions into the weekend. In the absence of critical fire weather, initial attack activity is expected to gradually increase through the week. Categorical large fires may begin to emerge again late week given the drying through the week and ambient fire weather.
Today: Temperature will warm into the mid-to-upper 50s across Oklahoma excluding the extreme northeast where upper 40s are more likely. Mostly clear to clear skies and afternoon relative humidity values in the 20%'s in the western one-third to 30%'s in central and eastern Oklahoma encouraging drying of fine-fuels. Light winds sustained 5-11 mph with limited gusts will hold fire spread potential in check providing very good initial attack opportunity. With fine-dead fuel moisture values this afternoon 5-6%, unsheltered grass dominated fuels will be receptive. Rates of fire spread in grass dominated fuels are expected to be in the 48- 92ft/min range with flame lengths 9-13ft. Timber fuels should be very receptive to suppression efforts especially on north or east facing slopes where some snow may remain.
Tuesday: Warmer and drier conditions will facilitate further drying of fuels. With temperatures in the mid-60s across most of the state and relative humidity values in the 18-36% range under mostly clear skies fine fuels will again be very receptive. Southwest to west winds will be moderate again limiting spread potential overall, although a shift to northwest winds and intensification will enter the Panhandle late in the burning period. Initial attack opportunity remains very good.
Near Term: A warming trend is on tap for the week coupled with dry conditions. While no critical fire weather appears in the near-term forecast, a return to La Niña influence will drive enhanced fuels drying and increasing wildfire potential.
Click here to see a map of the latest Oklahoma counties under burn bans.
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