Wildfire Danger on the Increase

Oklahoma Forestry reports near Red Flag conditions are expected today (Oct. 15) across most of eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, and Forestry and local fire departments are urging caution when burning to avoid wildfires.

Sallisaw Fire Chief Anthony Armstrong reported Sallisaw firefighters had to extinguish a seven-acre wildfire Wednesday afternoon when an unattended brush fire escaped east of Sallisaw.

Smoke from an unknown fire covered Sallisaw and areas south of the city Thursday. Armstrong said the smoke appeared to be blowing in from the northwest and was not from a fire in the city.

"This is the driest we have been all year," Armstrong said. "And we are getting afternoon winds that can propel a small fire into a big fire."

Armstrong said those planning to burn should prepare by having a water hose and water supply and rakes handy if a fire escapes.

Those who plan to burn in Sallisaw must have a burn permit, Armstrong reminded residents. The permits are $10 and may be purchased at city hall. The permits are good for five days. City ordinances limit burning to brush, limbs and leaves.

The fire danger is heightened by the current weather. Forestry reports minimum relative humidities in the region are in the 15 to 25 percent range, with highs from the upper 80's to mid 90's. Wind speeds are expected to be from 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts to 20 miles per hour. 

A cold front is expected to move into northwest Oklahoma late in the afternoon, moving south through the rest of eastern Oklahoma. Any precipitation with the front will include scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.

More widespread beneficial rain is expected to arrive toward the middle of next week.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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