Burn ban lifted for all but 20 western Oklahoma counties

KCTV ^ | 3 May 2006 | AP

[okstate]

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Citing recent rainfall across much of Oklahoma, Gov. Brad Henry Wednesday lifted the state's burn ban for all but 20 western Oklahoma counties.

Henry announced the action following a meeting on Tuesday with state agriculture, forestry and emergency management officials. The decision to modify the ban was based in large part on the advice of agriculture experts, he said.

"The recent rainfall has improved conditions in many parts of Oklahoma and reduced the fire danger that has plagued our state for many months," Henry said. The governor said he will restore the burn ban if the fire danger increases.

The ban was lifted for all but the following counties: Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Cimarron, Cotton, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, Major, Texas, Tillman, Washita, Woods and Woodward.

Jack Carson, spokesman for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, said fire danger remains high in western Oklahoma, where rainfall has been sparse.

"A lot of those areas did not receive any rainfall. Others received only a trace," Carson said.

Although the burn ban was lifted for most counties, the state is still far behind average rainfall totals, Carson said.

"It's been some of the driest in history," he said.

Henry imposed a statewide burn ban in November in response to a severe drought that helped fuel more than 2,800 wildfires that have burned about 560,000 acres since Nov. 1. President Bush issued a federal disaster declaration on Jan. 10.

Wildfires have destroyed more than 300 homes and businesses and damaged 800 others, according to state forestry officials. At least three people have died, including a volunteer firefighter.

The burn ban remained in effect for all but a few southeastern Oklahoma counties until March 20, when it was lifted after rain and snow storms moved through the state. It was reinstated a week later when drought conditions returned and new wildfires flared up.

Henry was urged to modify the ban after weekend storms dropped between 2 inches and 7 inches of rainfall in Oklahoma. Rain showers were reported in parts of the state Monday and Tuesday.

The 2.42 inches of rain that fell in Oklahoma City over the weekend was the highest two-day total since last June, according to the National Weather Service. Tulsa County received 2.86 inches of rain, Muskogee got 2.63 inches and McAlester got 3.36 inches.

Carson said farmers normally burn off their pastures in late winter and early spring to control weeds and promote grass growth.

"We've got green-up now. I don't know how much benefit (lifting the burn ban) would be to them," he said.

The recent rainfall comes too late for Oklahoma's wheat crop, which Carson said could be the worst in state history.

"It's just awful. Our wheat farmers are just devastated," he said. Cattle ranchers are also low on water for their stock.

The governor added a new exemption to the burn ban that will permit organized fireworks displays that are approved by local fire officials and municipalities. Charcoal grilling is also exempt.

Violations of the ban are misdemeanors punishable by as much as a $500 fine and one year in jail.

[PhiKapMom]

Last time Henry lifted the burn ban, it went back on in a matter of days. Why is he in such a rush?

[Cudjo]

Cause burn bans are about all he can handle

[okstate]

I don't know why he lifted it in March. At that point most of the state was in its worst drought ever.

But now, at least in the eastern part of the state, it should be lifted. Year to date we are only about 3/4ths of an inch below normal and its raining again today.

But then again this is Governor DoLittle we're talking about... guess he has to make news somehow

[dufekin]

At least Gov. Do Little isn't busy concocting some scheme to raise taxes, forbid oil and gas extraction, or transform Oklahoma into Massachusetts-on-the-Prairie. Or is he?