Le Flore, Okmulgee County Enact Burn Bans Amid Hot, Dry Conditions

Though rain is in the forecast, two more Oklahoma counties approved burn bans Monday morning, citing the chance of wildfire in the next couple of days.

The Okmulgee County Commissioner approved a new, one-week burn ban Monday, citing concerns about high wind and dry conditions.

At Okmulgee, the Deep Fork River isn't very deep at the moment, because of drought, and out in the county, there's plenty of fuel for a wildfire. Trees are losing leaves, and the grass is beginning to die, both because of the season and the dry weather.

“Not only are we coming into fall when the grasses are drying out which makes them a fire hazard, but we haven't had any rain, and everything is getting pretty dry," Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Tim Craighton said

In Eastern Oklahoma, three counties have burn bans at the moment, though Creek County is allowing the ban there to expire Tuesday.

Related Story: Creek County Issues 5-Day Burn Ban

Le Flore and Okmulgee County approved new ones Monday, which will run one week, and Commissioners will reconsider then.

The bans can’t stop people from starting fires, but will provide a penalty if they do: up to $500 in fines.