Stay Alert As Wildfire Danger Spikes In Comanche County

Peak wildfire season is underway in Oklahoma, and Comanche County is under severe wildfire danger Thursday, Feb. 5. The county is at increased risk for wildfires due to dry vegetation, low humidity and gusty winds.

According to Comanche County/Lawton Emergency Management, a simple spark on Thursday could quickly turn into a fast-moving wildfire.

Above-average temps and high winds expected in southwest Oklahoma Thursday afternoon.

Afternoon highs could reach the upper 60s and low 70s Thursday, and winds will be out of the west at 15 to 20 miles per hour with a potential northwest shift.

The National Weather Service in Norman expects elevated fire weather between noon and 5 p.m. Thursday.

Comanche County residents urged practice wildfire safety.

Comanche County/Lawton Emergency Management is encouraging citizens to practice wildfire safety Thursday. Residents should practice the following to prevent wildfires:

• Avoid outdoor burning
• Keep trailer and equipment chains from dragging
• Properly dispose of cigarettes
• Immediately report smoke or fire by dialing 911

READ MORE: Oklahoma Is Dry, And It's Starting To Feel Uncomfortable

Comanche County is not currently under a burn ban.

Although wildfire potential is severe Thursday, Comanche County is not currently under a burn ban. The only counties in Oklahoma that have issued county burn bans are Cotton and Jefferson counties in southern Oklahoma.

Regardless of whether or not a county is under a burn ban, residents should refrain from any outdoor burning when fire danger is elevated. When fire danger is present, the smallest spark can easily start a large, wide-spreading wildfire.

This year, the National Interagency Fire Agency is expecting Oklahoma to have significant wildland fire potential. So again, county burn ban or not, Oklahoma residents should be mindful of fire danger in the forecast.