Gov Henry Modifies Burn Ban; Only Two Panhandle Counties Remain in Ban

NEWS RELEASE

Office of Governor Brad Henry
State of Oklahoma
State Capitol – Oklahoma City OK 73105
405-521-2342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oklahoma City – Citing weekend precipitation and the advice of fire experts, Gov. Brad Henry today modified the state’s burn ban, lifting burn prohibitions for all but Cimarron and Texas counties in the Oklahoma Panhandle.

The governor continued to urge caution in all outdoor burning.

“Even with the rainfall we have received, it is important for all Oklahomans to exercise caution and good common sense when it comes to outdoor burning, particularly when winds are gusty,” said Gov. Henry.

“I will not hesitate to reinstate the ban if conditions warrant it.”

The governor’s office announced the decision this afternoon after reviewing precipitation totals and other fire data compiled by forestry officials in the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. The agency recommended the ban be modified, citing the significant rainfall this weekend, but urged Oklahomans not to burn outside when winds are over 15 mph.

Violations of the ban are misdemeanors punishable by as much as a $500 fine and one-year imprisonment.

###