Washington County, along with most of Oklahoma, is officially under a burn ban as of Monday due to dry conditions across the state.
Most types of burning are permitted under the ban, as long as certain conditions are met. For instance, outdoor campfires or bonfires are prohibited, while LPG and natural gas grills and charcoal-fired cooking outside in a grilling receptacle are permitted — provided that the activity is conducted over a non-flammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation. Coleman-type pressurized stoves are exempt.
“However, any fire resulting from grilling or the use of one of these cookers or stoves is still an illegal fire,” said Fire Chief David Topping. “Everyone should be very careful right now to not add to the already dangerous conditions. Don’t carelessly discard cigarettes or cigars, and be mindful that fires can easily be started from hot mufflers, so activities in greens belts, fields and roadsides should be limited if the grass is not well cut.
“In addition to the dangers they pose to the public and the potential loss of property, these fires are especially dangerous for our guys and other first responders who risk heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses in providing services. We really appreciate everyone’s awareness and any efforts they can take to reduce the risks at this time.”
For more information and specific guidelines, see the Oklahoma Forestry Service website at www.forestry.ok.gov.
Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash