Gov. Henry institutes statewide burn ban to protect lives and property. - August 02, 2006
Sizzling heat has dried fields to a crisp, according to Oklahoma farmers, and now Gov. Brad Henry has decided to reinstate a burn ban across the state. The governor’s office announced the decision Wednesday morning after meeting with state fire experts and reviewing meteorological data from around the state. Officials with the Department of Agriculture recommended a new burn ban, citing extraordinary fire danger in Oklahoma.
Under the governor’s executive order, outdoor burning is banned, but there are some exemptions for low risk activities such as charcoal and gas grilling. Occupations such as welding can also earn exemptions, provided tradesmen follow specific protections outlined by the Department of Agriculture. Violations of the ban are misdemeanors punishable by as much as a $500 fine and one-year imprisonment.
Gov. Henry said the burn ban would remain in effect for as long as conditions merit. Because of record drought conditions, Oklahoma has been under some form of burn ban seven of the last 10 months. When Gov. Henry last lifted a ban in May, he made it clear he would not hesitate to reinstate it if the high fire danger returned.
Governor Brad Henry
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Drought, Pawhuska, Burn Ban, Oklahoma Weather, Oklahoma
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