Fire Danger Continues In Dry, Windy Northeastern Oklahoma

The potential for grass fires continues after a flames took down an house in Osage County, damaged one in Creek County and closed a highway on Saturday.

Sunday's weather poses the same threat, according to News On 6 meteorologist Dick Faurot.

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According to Faurot, the strong winds will fade overnight Saturday but are expected to pick up in a southerly direction on Sunday morning.

"The drought is rearing it's ugly head again," Faurot said. "Combine the dryness with gusty winds, low humidity values, dormant vegetation and sunny, warmer-than-normal temperatures and you get a high fire-danger situation."

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that Pawnee, Creek, Payne, Lincoln, Tulsa, Rogers, Mayes and parts of Osage, Washington and Wagoner counties are listed as abnormally dry.

The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings that were in effect most of the day on Saturday, and the agency is expected to do the same on Sunday.

A Red Flag Warning means weather conditions and dry vegetation combine for rapid growth and spread of wildfires. Be sure to dispose of cigarettes properly and avoid activities that could start fires.

Fire danger is high across the state of Oklahoma, and residents are discouraged from outdoor burning throughout the weekend, according to the Oklahoma Department of Forestry Services.

Active Weather Alerts

"Very dry air and windy conditions allow for any fire that starts to easily escape control. Be extremely careful with any potential ignition source that could spark a wildfire," a fire situation report states.

Brisk southwest winds will carry expected wind speeds of 15-25 mph on Sunday.

If you see signs of smoke call your local fire department or report any suspicious wildfire activity to the Arson Tip Line: 1-866-NO-ARSON.