Arapaho, OK – Custer County is now under a countywide burn ban as extreme heat and a prolonged lack of rainfall continue to increase wildfire concerns across western Oklahoma and much of the state.
The Custer County Board of Commissioners approved the burn ban Monday, August 17, declaring that extreme fire danger exists throughout the county. The resolution took effect immediately and may remain in place for up to 14 days.
Custer County's resolution prohibits outdoor burning that could ignite grass, crops, rangeland or other wildlands. Campfires and bonfires are also prohibited.
Limited exceptions are included for certain road construction work and welding, cutting and grinding operations when specific safety precautions are followed. Outdoor cooking using LPG, natural gas or charcoal grills is permitted when conducted over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation. Public fireworks displays require prior approval, while individual fireworks use is prohibited during the ban.
Violations of the Custer County resolution can result in a misdemeanor charge, a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
33 Oklahoma Counties Now Under Burn Bans
Custer County is far from alone. As of Tuesday, 33 of Oklahoma's 77 counties are under burn bans as the ongoing August heat wave and lack of meaningful rainfall continue to dry vegetation and increase fire danger.
Several western Oklahoma counties have recently enacted or renewed restrictions.
Washita County commissioners approved a burn ban August 10 after determining extreme fire danger existed in the county. The resolution prohibits fires in forests, grasslands, rangeland and cropland, along with campfires, bonfires and trash burning. Violations there can carry a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.
Dewey County placed a countywide burn ban into effect August 14. Its resolution includes limited exceptions for road construction, certain welding and cutting activities and outdoor cooking under specified conditions.
Kiowa County commissioners approved a new 14-day burn ban Monday, August 17. The county's resolution also cites extreme fire danger and prohibits outdoor burning, campfires, bonfires and the burning of trash or other materials capable of starting a wildland fire.
Harmon County also approved a burn ban August 17. Campfires and bonfires are prohibited there, although certain outdoor cooking is allowed when conducted in an appropriate grilling receptacle over a nonflammable surface and away from vegetation.
Jackson County is also among the western Oklahoma counties operating under restrictions. Its resolution prohibits burning forests, grass, range or crops, along with campfires, bonfires and trash burning.
Heat and Dry Weather Increase Fire Concerns
The expanding number of county burn bans comes as persistent heat and limited rainfall have left grass and other vegetation increasingly dry across the region.
Under Oklahoma law, county commissioners can impose burn bans when extreme fire danger exists and the required conditions are documented with concurrence from local fire officials. County burn bans generally restrict open burning, although individual resolutions can contain different exceptions. Oklahoma Forestry Services advises residents to check the specific restrictions in their county before conducting any outdoor burning.
Conditions and burn bans can change quickly. Residents should continue monitoring information from their county commissioners, local fire departments and Oklahoma Forestry Services before burning outdoors.
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