What Not To Do During A Burn Ban in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is headed for a dangerous weekend. With the combination of high winds and dry, dead grass, the chances for wildfires to spread are concerningly high. In an effort to prevent wildfires from starting, Oklahoma officials are asking folks to be deligent in preventing any fires from spreading.

Oklahoma's chances for wildfires spreading rapidly concerningly high.

Forecasters are predicting some incredibly high winds on Friday, Mar. 14. While they are suggesting to Oklahomans to pack up their loose furniture, trampolines and other items that may go flying, weather analysts and officials are also asking folks to avoid doing anything that may spark a wildfire.

Read More: Oklahoma At Risk Of Wildfire Outbreak This Week.

Officials will call for a burn ban based on a few factors, including immediate predicted weather conditions, long-term weather forecast, the condition of wildland fuels, current fire behavior, and fire occurrences, according to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

There are two types of burn bans that can be put in place in Oklahoma, depending on who proclaims the ban. There are county-issued burn bans and Governor-issued burn bans.

Oklahomans caught doing things against a current burn ban could face fines & jail time.

If caught breaking the burn ban, Oklahomans can suffer some major financial repercussions and even face jail time. Penalties for breaking a burn ban include:

• Any person convicted of a violation of a county-issued burn ban shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for up to one year or to both.
• Any person convicted of a violation of a Governor-issued burn ban shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $1000, imprisonment for up to one year or to both.

Typically, in a high-risk situation, officials from the Oklahoma Forestry Services will call for a burn ban to prevent even the chance of anyone setting anything on fire outdoors. To check if your area is currently in a burn ban, click here.

When there's a burn ban in Oklahoma, there are several things that Oklahomans cannot do for the time being.