HOT AND DRY Conditions Prompts Fire Alert

The hot dry conditions have increased the wildfire danger in most of the state. As a result, a "Red Flag Fire Alert" has been issued by the Forestry Service.

Officials say fires can get out of hand quickly in the summer. That's particularly true in the tall brush, grasses and forests that surround some rural homes. They say the most common mistake is setting brush piles on fire with flammable fuels nearby, then leaving.

John Burwell, Oklahoma Forestry Service: "The biggest problem this time of year is normally going to be debris burning. We do have some fires set by hay balers and folks like that, where a piece of machinery malfunctions and sparks a fire that sets the baler on fire and then sets the grass on fire."

Officials have these recommendations to protect against wildland fires:

• Design and landscape your home with fire resistant materials.
• Create a 30 to 50 foot safety zone around home
  
• Clear flammable vegetation
• Keep fire safety tools on hand