Fear Of Widespread Fire In Oklahoma Renews State Of Emergency

NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- With critical high fire danger forecasted for the weekend, Governor Mary Fallin has renewed the state of emergency first declared March 11, 2011.

State officials are warning residents to be extra careful during outdoor activities this weekend.

News On 6 Meteorologist Alan Crone says the combination of windy, dry conditions increase the potential for widespread fires.

"Gradient winds Sunday across central and western OK may approach 30 to 50 mph westerly winds with bone dry air advecting into the area," he said.

Read Alan Crone's Weather Blog

State Emergency Management officials will remain ready to ramp up activities at the State Emergency Operations Center as necessary.

National Guard helicopters equipped with buckets to provide water drops remain on standby.

"I am encouraging all our citizens to be alert and to pay close attention to the weather in their area," said Fallin in a statement.

See the latest information and wildfire daily situation reports