Oklahoma Faces Increased Fire Risks: Drought, Strong Winds Prompt Zero-Tolerance Policy

The fire threat for northeastern Oklahoma is high to begin the week as drought conditions worsen and wind gusts reach upwards of 40 miles per hour.

A burn ban is in place for 43 counties including Tulsa, Creek, and Rogers. For more information, visit the Oklahoma Forestry Services website.

Assistant fire marshals are enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for open burns during the burn ban. Violations could result in a fine of up to $1,200 and/or six months in jail. Outdoor burning—including controlled burns, bonfires, fire pits, and chimineas—is prohibited under the burn ban. Grilling and welding over a non-flammable surface are allowed.

In SW Oklahoma, a wildfire continues in portions of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge on Monday, where officials estimate over 12,000 acres have burned and the fire is less than half contained.

Fortunately, relief is in the forecast with several chances of rain and showers this week, beginning on Wednesday.

Which Counties are under a burn ban in Oklahoma? (Oct. 28, 2024)

1. Ottawa
2. Delaware
3. Mayes
4. Nowata
5. Rogers
6. Washington
7. Wagoner
8. Cherokee
9. Adair
10. Tulsa
11. Creek
12. Payne
13. Logan
14. Noble
15. Kay
16. Grant
17. Logan
18. Kingfisher
19. McIntosh
20. Haskell
21. LeFlore
22. McCurtain
23. Pushmataha
24. Choctaw
25. Hughes
26. Coal
27. Atoka
28. Bryan
29. Pontotoc
30. Garvin
31. Carter
32. Marshall
33. Love
34. Stephens
35. Jefferson
36. Grady
37. Caddo
38. Cotton
39. Kiowa
40. Tillman
41. Greer
42. Jackson
43. Harmon