Cold cuts over charcoal – Burn Ban enacted for Stephens County

Think twice before starting any fire outdoors as it could result in a $500 fine and a misdemeanor arrest. Stephens County Commissioners approved and signed a resolution for a county-wide burn ban at the Monday meeting. While the ban is not to exceed 14 days, if extreme fire danger continues, they could continue with further resolutions. This burn ban includes all cities and towns within the county.

County Emergency Management Director Gary Curtis said the fire danger is extremely high. Looking at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) models, there appears to be zero moisture on the horizon for this region, for at least 30 days. Models change daily, and a quick look at NOAA forecast for Marlow indicates a 20 percent chance for rain, possibly, on Monday.

It’s typical this time of year to issue a burn ban. Velma was getting an assist from other fire departments on a rekindled fire that originally began Sunday near the refinery.

Just how dangerous are conditions?

“There have been about eight or nine fires in recent weeks throughout the county. We should have done this three weeks ago,” he said. “What’s underneath that dry stuff and the green burns even worse. Especially with the winds, if they get up to 25 or 30 mph …”

Curtis indicated optimism, "Stephens County has been fortunate. There have been some fires that have wiped out 100 to 150 acres, with the largest consuming about 250-300 acres. That one was near Clear Creek Lake in June 2022.

“The Meridian fire (south of Duncan), it was fortunate we didn’t lose anyone, but it did claim livestock and vehicles, along with some structures previously burned.

A house was also consumed in the fire, near the origin point, Curtis said.

“July was the last burn ban and it was removed right before the Fourth of July. We’re in a severe drought at this time. You see a lot of green, but as it burns, that dark smoke is harmful. The last rain was two weeks ago, and it was almost a quarter of an inch, but it was gone the next day.”

“Anything major is what I hear about, or if there’s a fairly large fire, the state notifies us.” With larger fires, if Curtis is contacted, he can go out with a drone to survey the acreage.

Any activity that involves open flames, charcoal grilling, or fireworks is prohibited. The ban also includes welding, cutting torch, grinding activities and road construction equipment.

“Road crews can be used but they have to have water resources in place,” he said. “There's always provisions for ranchers and farmers for controlled burns, but they have to turn in proper paperwork to local fire departments. Because if it gets out of hand, it’s a civil liability, and fire departments can charge for that if they are called. If it gets off your property, then you are liable,” Curtis said.

He realizes this can cause a burden on people in the rural areas who burn their own trash, but for now, they will have to just store the refuse.

It’s also picnic and tailgate season. He encourages pre-cooked food or sandwiches, food that doesn’t need to be cooked.

“We’ve got some of the most beautiful weather we’ve had in a long time. Just remember, it’s a $500 fine, and a misdemeanor still is an arrest. We don’t want to put anyone in danger, especially our firefighters.”

Curtis issued a reminder. "Severe weather season is approaching. Tornado drills were held last week." October 10 and 12, 2021, tornado watches and warnings were issued for this region.