Fire crews are working to put out several grass fires in Oklahoma.

Kingfisher:

1. OHP: Closures: Reeding Road (aka N2940) and OK 74F //Near Kingfisher-Logan County
2. Southeastern part of the county
3. NWS at 3:25 p.m.: Evacuation order for Twin Lakes residents. A dangerous wildfire was located 3 miles north of Cashion, moving quickly north at a speed of 2 to 3 mph. Evacuate to the gas station on highways 33 and 74.
4. There are several Logan County Sheriff’s deputies in Twin Lakes evacuating residents.
5. 4 houses burned, and several barns burned in this fire.

SE PAYNE COUNTY, CUSHING

The scene takes place in southeast Payne Co., near Cushing and the Lincoln Co. line.

According to OHP, OK-33 between Reeding Road (N2940) and OK-74F (Kingfisher-Logan County line) is now open as of 6 p.m.

All lanes of eastbound and westbound SH-33 between SH-18 and SH-99 in Cushing, Payne Co., are now open.

Immediate evacuation REQUESTED BY CUSHING EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Relayed by National Weather Service Norman OK: 2:32 p.m. CDT Tuesday, October 29, 2024

The National Weather Service in Norman issued a message at the request of the Cushing Emergency Manager for southeast Payne County.

Immediately evacuate areas east of Cushing due to wildfire.

A large wildfire threatens areas from the intersection of Highways 33 and 99 east of Cushing, north to southeast of Yale. Residents in this area should leave immediately and head east or west. Don’t drive in smoke!

Crescent FD lost one of its command trucks in the fire. Everyone is out and safe.

EDMOND

Edmond Fire confirms they are working to put out a grass fire near Interstate 35 and Covell Road.

Officials are closing Sooner Road at Coffee Creek to prevent drivers from heading south into the fire zone.

St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Edmond (900 N. Sooner Road) is open and available to all residents who have been evacuated due to the grass fires and need a place to shelter until until the fires are brought under control. This is a temporary shelter for these residents.

This fire is under control.

LINCOLN COUNTY

The Lincoln Co Fire Department is requesting assistance from Eastern Oklahoma Fire Departments, such as Harrah’s, to assist with a fire coming from near County Road 980.

The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a fire warning at the request of Lincoln County Emergency Management for western Lincoln County.

*At 3:58 p.m. CDT, a dangerous wildfire was located 6 km south of Wellston…near Highway 102, moving rapidly north.

*Evacuation Zone…Areas along and near Sunset Drive, Summer Tree Lane and up to County Road 970…these areas should be evacuated.

*Additional information…Avoid Highway 102. Do not drive in smoke areas.

Wellston Senior Center opens its doors to all evacuees in need.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.

BURNING BANS

The fire threat in northeastern Oklahoma is high early in the week as drought conditions worsen and wind gusts reach more than 40 miles per hour.

A burning ban is in effect in 44 counties, including Kingfisher, Logan and Grady County. For more information, visit Oklahoma Forest Service website.

Deputy Fire Marshals enforce a zero tolerance policy for open burning during the burn ban. Violations could result in a fine of up to $1,200 and/or six months in prison.

Outdoor burning, including prescribed burns, bonfires, fire pits and chimneys, is prohibited under the burn ban. Grilling and welding on a non-flammable surface is permitted.

In southwest Oklahoma, a wildfires continue in parts of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Area Monday, where officials estimate more than 12,000 acres have burned and the fire is less than half contained.

Fortunately, some relief is expected with several chances of rain and showers this week, starting Wednesday.

Which counties are under a burn ban in Oklahoma? (October 28, 2024)

1. Ottawa
2. Delaware
3. Mayes
4. NOW
5. Rogers
6. Washington
7. Carter
8. Cherokee
9. Adaïr
10. Tulsa
11. Stream
12. Payne
13. Logan
14. Noble
15. Kay
16. To agree
17. Logan
18. Kingfisher
19. McIntosh
20. Haskell
21. LeFlore
22. McCurtain
23. Pushmataha
24. Choctaw
25. Hugues
26. Coal
27. Atoka
28. Bryan
29. Pontotoc
30. Garvin
31. Carter
32. Marshal
33. Love
34. Stephens
35. Jefferson
36. Grady
37. Caddo
38. Cotton
39. Kiowa
40. Tillman
41. Kiowa
42. Rig
43. Jackson
44. Harmony

Overview of the burning ban

Oklahoma burning bans, enforced by state law, prohibit all open burning activities to mitigate the risk of wildfires. According to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, bans are determined by immediate and long-range weather forecasts, wild fuel conditions, current fire behavior and recent fires.

County Commissioner Notification Process

Oklahoma county commissioners must follow specific steps to enact a burn ban. After passing a burn ban resolution, they are required to notify the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry by email at [email protected]. The department does not accept faxed copies and resolutions received before 4 p.m. will be posted the same day on the Oklahoma Forest Service website. Resolutions sent after this time are published the next day. Additionally, county officials should notify local media, law enforcement, and relevant state departments, including the Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, and the Department of wildlife conservation.

Duration of county-issued burn bans

A burning ban issued by county commissioners is in effect for a maximum of 14 days from the date of passage, according to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. If serious fire risks persist, subsequent resolutions may be adopted and must follow the same notification procedures. A burn ban can also be overturned through a similar process.

Types of Burn Bans

Oklahoma allows two types of burn bans: issued by the county and proclaimed by the governor. Under state guidelines, a burning ban issued by the governor supersedes bans issued by the county and can cover multiple counties or the entire state.

Criteria for issuing a burn ban

For county-issued bans, county commissioners work with local fire chiefs to determine the need. According to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, a county burning ban is warranted when extreme fire danger exists, as defined by conditions such as drought severe or extreme, forecasts of limited precipitation or significant wildfires. When available, data also indicates whether a significant percentage of local wildfires were caused by escaped debris or controlled burns.

The governor’s burning bans, which cover larger areas, are recommended by the Oklahoma Forest Service based on extensive data on natural fuel conditions and fire behavior, beyond the criteria used for county-level bans.

Enforcement and sanctions

County-issued burning bans carry penalties of up to $500, up to a year in jail, or both for those found guilty of violations. These resolutions are adopted by a vote of the county commissioners. Governor-issued burning bans, authorized by the Governor following Forest Service recommendations, may remain in effect until conditions improve. Violations of burning bans issued by the governor are punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to one year, or both. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry says law enforcement officers across the state are responsible for enforcing both types of burning bans.