With two-thirds of the county in the grip of extreme drought conditions and no rain in the forecast, the Garvin County Board of Commissioners approved a 14-day burn ban during Monday’s regular meeting.
The burn ban resolution prohibits “setting fire to any forest, grass range, crop or other wild lands” and outdoor burning including campfires, bonfires and burning trash.
During Monday’s meeting, Commissioner Mike Gollihare asked that the Sheriff’s Office work in conjunction with local fire departments to enforce the burn ban, particularly in issuing citations for repeat offenders.
Sheriff Jim Mullett said the first time deputies contact residents for a burn ban violation they generally give a warning, especially for the first few days of the ban, when people tend to violate it without realizing one has been issued.
“But we do log every call we get, and if we have to go back, that person will get a ticket,” Mullett said.
Penalties for violating the burn ban can include a fine of up to $500 and up to a year in jail.
The resolution approved Monday does allow for agricultural producers to conduct prescribed burns to manage cropland, rangeland, forests or pastures, provided they follow Oklahoma Forestry Service guidelines as outlined in state statutes, which includes filing a written burn plan and communicating with local fire officials.
The ban also includes provisions for other business activities and professions, including welding or grinding and oilfield and landfill activities.
Anyone with questions regarding the burn ban or prescribed burns should contact their local fire department or Garvin County Emergency Management.
The countywide burn ban remains in effect until Jan. 26, at which time the board could vote to issue another if conditions have not improved.
As of Wednesday, Garvin County is one of nine Oklahoma counties with a burn ban in place.
