TURLEY, Okla. — Even though it's winter, weather conditions are perfect Wednesday for high fire danger.
Winter is usually one of the worst times of the year for wildfires.
More than 1700 acres were scorched in western Oklahoma just last January.
Captain David Morgan with Turley Fire and Rescue said the first frost kills the grass causing it to go dormant.
The dead vegetation, plus low humidity and high winds are the perfect recipe for the spread of wildfires.
Morgan said they've had bad fires in the past which damaged multiple homes.
“That was caused from a trailer," Morgan said. "A person didn’t have their chain secured and it caught multiple spots on fire down 56th street and burned north and just happened to be a very dry and windy day.”
Thankfully, he said they can always get the help when needed.
"With us being a volunteer fire department during the day, most of our guys are at their paid job," Morgan said. "The resources we do have is mutual aid. We do have a few paid departments around. It's very easy for us to get on the radio and ask for help."
Most of the wildfires the department fights are started by accident, which is why Morgan is asking everyone to be cautious and not to burn trash.
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