Oklahoma Forestry Services Predicts High Fire Danger

Officials at Oklahoma Forestry Services are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning this week due to the dry, windy conditions present over a large portion of the state.

Oklahoma State Forester George Geissler says the state has experienced a few weeks of moisture due to snowfall. But Geissler says warmer conditions have caused the state to dry out.

A series of cold fronts are predicted to move through the state with little to no moisture. Low relative humidity combined with higher temperatures and gusty winds means fires can ignite easily and will spread quickly. All outdoor burning is discouraged.

News 9 Weather Page

There are 12 county burn bans in place prohibiting a variety of outdoor activities. The counties are Alfalfa, Blaine, Canadian, Creek, Le Flore, Okmulgee, Pittsburg, Rogers, Wagoner, Grady, Jefferson and Tillman.

On Tuesday afternoon, firefighters battled a large grass fire that threatened a northwest Oklahoma City neighborhood. The grass fire quickly fueled by the high winds moved into a new housing addition called "Skyler's Court." The fire burned up to and in the back yards of several homes.

2/18/2014 Related Story: Firefighters Knock Down Grass Fire Threatening Homes In NW OKC