Oklahoma farmers, ranchers being allowed to conduct controlled burns

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State agriculture officials say farmers and ranchers will be allowed to conduct limited, controlled burns to enhance crop and forage production.<br/><br/>Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry's

Thursday, April 6th 2006, 6:14 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State agriculture officials say farmers and ranchers will be allowed to conduct limited, controlled burns to enhance crop and forage production.

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry's office and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Wednesday announced implementation of a temporary agriculture exemption to the burn ban, which covers all but ten counties in the southeastern part of the state.

Farmers and ranchers must apply with the agriculture department and follow strict guidelines, which include getting approval from the local fire department and notifying surrounding residents. Anyone not abiding the guidelines will face penalties under the burn ban order.

The temporary exemption will remain in effect until May 10th.