By Traci Chapman, Managing Editor
Citing ongoing concerns about continuing dry conditions, Commissioners Tuesday unanimously voted to implement a one-week countywide burn ban.
The ban became effective at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22; Commissioners David Anderson, Marc Hader and Jack Stewart made the decision based after rural fire departments requested they take that action and upon the recommendation of county emergency manager Andrew Skidmore.
“We reached out to all of the area departments – we didn’t hear back from everyone but those we did wanted the ban,” Skidmore told commissioners.
Neither Yukon nor Mustang fire departments responded to Skidmore’s query, he said.
David VonTungeln, on hand during the Tuesday meeting for an unrelated agenda item, weighed in when asked by Stewart how the agricultural community would feel about another burn ban – particularly with some anticipated precipitation expected to hit the area this week.
“I think they’re supportive (of the ban) – fire is our greatest concern,” VonTungeln said. “There’s signage at U.S. Highway 66 and Heaston Road and also at Maple School that says, ‘If you set a fire, you are responsible,’ and we take that very seriously.”
Even if the area does see precipitation this week, as of press time the expected amount was not likely to make that much of a difference, Skidmore said. Forecasters have said the county might get some freezing rain and snow, in addition to frigid temperatures falling below freezing.
“Ten inches of snow is equal to one inch of rain,” Skidmore said.
Also of concern to commissioners was an incident that occurred in western Oklahoma City Monday, when a grass fire engulfed 10 vehicles parked at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant near Interstate 40 and MacArthur Boulevard. Gusty winds drove the fire into the parking lot; the restaurant was not damaged, although three employees were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, officials said.
Although the Oklahoma Forestry Service allows counties to issue burn bans for up to 14 days, Skidmore said he recommended going with a one-week resolution. Commissioners expected as of press time to review the issue during their next meeting, set for 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 28.
