Governor declares burn ban in 36 counties

LAWTON, Okla._Due to the recent outbreak of fires, Governor Fallin has declared a statewide emergency and has issued burn bans for 36 counties.

A state of emergency has been declared for all 77 counties in Oklahoma after the wildfires broke out Sunday. So far one person has been killed, many homes have burned and countless acres have been scorched. Fires have been reported near Altus, Jennings, Seiling, Stillwater, and Woodward; damage assessments are still ongoing.

While under a state of emergency, state agencies are allowed to make emergency purchases and acquisitions they need in order to better help their local jurisdictions. This is also the first step in seeking federal assistance if needed.

The burn ban now prevents outdoor burnings for nearly half of the state. It is unlawful for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes; to build a bonfire or fire; to burn or ignite fireworks; or to burn trash or other materials outdoors.

Counties under the burn ban are: Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cimarron, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grady, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, Major, McClain, Noble, Oklahoma, Payne, Pawnee, Roger Mills, Texas, Tillman, Washita, Woods and Woodward.

"I'm asking all Oklahomans to be vigilant and careful and to do their part to prevent fires," said Fallin. "Anything that can be done to minimize fires will help to keep both our firefighters and the public safe."