Dry Conditions Lead to Burn Ban in Oklahoma

A burn ban is now in place all across Oklahoma County. The action was ordered at an emergency meeting of the County Commission. The move comes in reaction to extremely dry conditions, which have played a role in a number of grassfires this week.

Emergency Management Director David Barnes says the ban prohibits all outdoor burning, with the exception of cooking food in an approved container, like a grill.  He says open fires aren't permitted. While they're not covered by the ban, Barnes also asks people to be extremely careful with smoking material, or anything that's likely to generate a spark. 

Barnes says a law enacted by the State Legislature last year, allows counties to declare burn bans when conditions warrant, before wider burn ban orders are issued by the Governor. He says the ban is in effect for seven days, but can be cancelled if conditions change. Or, he says, commissioners can meet again, and extend a ban for additional seven day periods.