Western Oklahoma – Several western Oklahoma counties have renewed or continued burn bans as drought conditions and persistent heat keep wildfire danger elevated across the region.
As of September 1, 52 of Oklahoma's 77 counties have submitted burn ban resolutions, according to updated state information.
Custer County commissioners renewed the county's burn ban effective August 31 for another 14 days. Kiowa County has also extended its burn ban through September 14.
Elsewhere in western and southwest Oklahoma, Dewey, Washita, Greer, Harmon and Jackson counties remain under burn bans. Washita, Harmon and Jackson counties currently have bans extending through September 7.
Not every county in western Oklahoma is included. Ellis, Roger Mills and Beckham counties are currently not under county burn bans.
Across the state line in the eastern Texas Panhandle, Hemphill, Wheeler and Collingsworth counties are also under burn bans.
The restrictions come as Oklahoma Forestry Services continues to warn of worsening wildfire conditions. In its August 31 Fire Situation Report, the agency said wildfire occurrence and severity are increasing as above-normal temperatures continue and drought impacts intensify.
Conditions are particularly concerning in western and southwest Oklahoma. Forestry officials expect above-normal wildfire activity to continue because of the depth of the drought and persistent hot and dry weather. Afternoon temperatures around 100 degrees, low humidity and southerly winds could allow grass fires to spread rapidly. Brush fires could also exhibit more dangerous fire behavior when wind and terrain align.
Oklahoma Forestry Services says county burn bans may be issued for up to 14 days and can be renewed if extreme fire danger persists. Residents should check the restrictions for their individual county before conducting any outdoor burning.
Hot, Dry Forecast Continues
Little relief is expected from the weather this week. The National Weather Service forecast for Elk City calls for sunny and hot conditions, with highs near 100 Wednesday, 101 Thursday, 100 Friday and around 100 again Saturday. Overnight lows will generally remain in the lower 70s, with no meaningful rainfall currently in the forecast.
The National Weather Service says weather-related fire conditions may be somewhat lower as humidity increases, but drought-stricken vegetation remains highly susceptible to wildfire.
Oklahoma Forestry Services expects hot and primarily dry conditions to continue through the work week and says above-normal wildfire occurrence could persist for the next two weeks, with no clear signal yet for widespread beneficial rainfall.
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