Exemptions added to statewide burn ban | Environment

After wildfires tore across our state earlier this summer,  a statewide burn ban was issued that prohibited any outdoor burning until further notice. Governor Mary Fallin announced today that exemptions will be added to the ban, which will remain in effect.

“I understand the length of this burn ban has made it difficult for some, particularly our agriculture producers,” said Fallin. “Therefore, exemptions are being added to allow for the use of fire under very specific, controlled conditions. Existing exemptions, including those related to grilling, road construction, welding and oilfield operations, will remain in place.”

"Extreme hardship" and "agricultural burning" will be exempt from the amended burn ban.

After receiving written approval from the state forester, individuals may conduct controlled burns on their property due to "extreme hardship" that was caused by the ban on outdoor burning.

Authorities stress no exemptions will be granted for camp fires, normal burning of brush piles, accumulation of leaves in yards or household trash.

Under the "agricultural burning" exemption, individuals may receive written approval from their local fire chief to conduct a controlled burn that is necessary for agriculture production.

Officials say those individuals will also have to submit a form to Oklahoma Forestry Services before any burning may occur.

They stress the burn must be part of the actual agriculture management operations and conducted within specific guidelines.

For more information on what is allowed and prohibited, visit the Oklahoma Forestry Service's website.