Garvin County residents are getting a reprieve from a countywide burn ban this week. The Garvin County Board of Commissioners opted not to reissue a 14-day burn ban during their regular meeting Monday morning, as heavy rain fell across most of the area.
It is the first time the county has not had a burn ban in place since Sept. 26. But the reprieve may only be temporary.
Garvin County Emergency Management Director Dave Johnson advised the board Monday that the county is still experiencing extreme drought conditions according to the Oklahoma Department of Forestry. He said as of late last week fire chiefs across Garvin County were in favor of continuing the burn ban.
Johnson said part of the concern is the continuing lack of rainfall through what are normally wetter fall months.
“This is going to be an ongoing thing for the next three to four months,” Johnson said.
As of noon Tuesday, Oklahoma Mesonet data indicated that Garvin County had received between 1.65 inches to nearly 2.25 inches of rain since Sunday, with the possibility of more rain in the forecast for later in the week.
During Monday’s discussion County Commissioner Mike Gollihare suggested allowing the burn ban to expire, at least temporarily, while the ground is still wet from this week’s rainfall.
“It’s not going to get better,” Gollihare said, agreeing with Johnson’s assessment of the long-term drought outlook. “And, people have things they need to burn. It would be better to burn it this week while it’s wet.”
Commissioners Gary Ayres and Randy Chandler agreed, opting to take no action on issuing a new burn ban resolution. The board indicated they would consider reissuing a ban as the moisture dries up again.
Gollihare added those who intend to conduct burning while there is no burn ban in place should call their local fire departments beforehand.
“They can tell you if it’s a good day or a bad day to burn. Be smart,” Gollihare said.