Extreme Fire Danger Anticipated
Published: April 1st, 2011
“This weekend is definitely NOT the time to burn,” said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. “We are urging people not to do any burning on Saturday or Sunday as weather service predictions are calling for extreme fire danger on those days.”
The forecast calls for 20-30 miles-per-hour sustained winds on Sunday, with gusts over 40 m.p.h. in advance of a dry line that will move into the state, bringing high temperatures and low single-digit humidity. With the extreme drought across the state, people are urged to be very cautious with any outdoor activity that could spark a wildfire.
In advance of the weather event, OFS is coordinating state and federal wildland fire resources for response if necessary. OFS Wildland Task Forces and firefighting personnel are also prepared for mobilization.
Another alert will be issued Saturday afternoon as weather conditions could change. There are currently 34 counties under a burn ban across the state and a complete list is available at www.forestry.ok.gov.
Oklahoma Forestry Services is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.