Nine Southwest Oklahoma Counties Ban Outdoor Burning Amid Wildfire Threat

Over the past week, wildfires have broken out across Oklahoma, and on Monday, August 17, multiple counties have enacted burn bans. So far, nine of southwest Oklahoma's 14 counties have issued county-wide burn bans.

Southwest Oklahoma has seen a few small wildfires during the month of August. And over the weekend, the city of Anadarko in Caddo County was impacted by a large wildfire that lead to the evacuation of several residents and the loss of four structures.

Southwest Oklahoma Burn Bans

The increase in wildfires and the continued threat of fire danger has resulted in eight counties in southwest Oklahoma to enact burn bans, including Custer, Washita, Jackson, Tillman, Cotton, Caddo, Kiowa, Comanche and Jefferson.

Residents who live in counties with active burn bans are not allowed to do any outdoor burning, including campfires and burning trash/debris. Residents are to also refrain from doing any activities that could emit a spark, like lighting fireworks. Doing these activities during a burn ban could result in a fine.

Details on each county's burn ban can be found on the state's interactive burn ban map from the Oklahoma Forestry Services.

READ MORE: How Discarded Cigarettes Almost Sparked A Wildfire In Lawton

Wildfire Prevention

At time of publishing, five counties in southwest Oklahoma have not issued burn bans, including Beckham, Harmon, Greer, Grady and Stephens. However, most counties are encouraging residents to practice wildfire safety due to the increased fire danger across the state.

Last week, Comanche County/Lawton Emergency Management posted to its official Facebook page warning residents that wildfire risk was increasing across Comanche County due to extreme heat and dry vegetation.

The best way to prevent wildfires is to take measures to prevent a spark. This includes limiting certain outdoor activities, like welding, and making sure that cigarettes are completely out before discarded them.

See below more ways to prevent wildfires.

• Avoid outdoor burning during hot, dry or windy conditions
• Secure trailer chains to keep from dragging
• Never park or drive over tall, dry grass
• Properly extinguish cigarettes or other lighted, smoking materials
• Use caution with equipment that can create sparks, like welding, mowing, grinding, etc.
• Keep vehicles and equipment maintained and free of dry vegetation