TULSA, Okla. — When fire danger threatens Oklahoma, it's essential to know how a burn ban is issued.
What is a burn ban?
A burn ban is a ban on burning enforced by state law.
County-issued burn ban: passed by county commissioners. Can be set for up to 14 days. Violating the ban is a misdemeanor, and violators could face a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Governor-issued burn ban: issued by the governor. Through the Secretary of Agriculture, the Forestry Services Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry requests the ban. State-issued burn bans remain in place until conditions improve (as determined by State Forestry). Violating the ban is a misdemeanor, and violators can face a fine of not more than $1000, imprisonment for up to one year or both.
What criteria are required to impose a burn ban?
County burn ban criteria are a subset of those used by OFS to recommend a Governor-proclaimed ban.
The intent is to make it easier for county burn bans to be issued and removed (allowing for rapid changes in local conditions). County Commissioners determine need based on advice from local fire chiefs.
Before passing a burn ban, commissioners must declare the existence of extreme fire danger.
State law defines extreme fire danger as:
- Severe, extreme, or exceptional drought conditions exist within the county as determined by the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA)
- No more than one-half inch of precipitation is forecast for the next three days by the National Weather Service
As well as either of the following:
- Fire occurrence is significantly greater than normal for the season or initial attack on a significant number of wildland fires has been unsuccessful due to extreme fire behavior
- Where data is available, more than 20% of the wildfires in the county have been caused by escaped debris burns or controlled burns.
Will there be a burn ban?
2 News asked Tulsa County and the governor's office about the possibility due to expected conditions. Stitt is monitoring conditions and is in contact with Forestry Services to see if a burn ban is needed. His spokesperson said they haven't received any requests for a ban as of Wednesday.
Tulsa County Emergency Manager Joe Kralicek said Tulsa County doesn't meet requirements, but they are also monitoring. Everyone should always the burn ban map before burning.
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