CREEK COUNTY — As of Monday, Feb. 23 a burn ban is in effect across Creek County and will remain in place until at least Mar. 2 — likely longer, according to Olive Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jason Dobson.
“Our emergency manager spoke with forest services and outlooks are not looking good,” he said. “We have some conditions that are similar to last year and continued burn bans are likely.”
County officials implemented the ban due to ongoing dry conditions and elevated fire danger. Under the burn ban, residents are prohibited from burning brush piles, pastures, and trash as well as conducting any open burning. Dobson said there are limited exceptions including certain agricultural activities allowed under state law.
Several local fire chiefs are urging residents to strictly comply with the order.
Dobson said current conditions are severe, even on days with low wind. He emphasized that now is not the time to burn and encouraged residents to check weather forecasts and contact their local fire department with any questions.
“My big public information instruction would be no burning right now because the conditions are really bad — the fire danger conditions are so severe,” he said.
Drumright Fire Chief Brett Lunsford echoed that message, urging residents to follow state statute and avoid any outdoor burning. He noted that the county’s emergency management team works closely with area fire chiefs before issuing a burn ban and that specific weather and drought criteria must be met. If those conditions are being met and fire chiefs are urging for burn bans it is best to listen.
“Just don’t burn. Follow the state statutes,” he said.
Silver City Fire Chief Brett Whitten warned that dry vegetation has created dangerous conditions and that fires can spread quickly, especially in grassy areas with even moderate winds. Additionally, he encouraged citizens to be fire wise.
“People need to be fire aware of their own property and make sure they are what we call fire wise — being well aware of dangers around the properties and things that might impact our ability to get to where we need to be,” explained Whitten.
Each reiterated that residents should avoid activities that could spark a fire — dragging chains, discarding cigarette butts, and improperly disposing of ashes were all given as examples.
Anyone who sees smoke is encouraged to report it immediately. With continued dry weather in the forecast, officials say residents should expect fire danger to remain high and additional burn bans to be possible if conditions do not improve.