High winds, heat, dry conditions fuel wildfire threat in Oklahoma
Oct 24, 2024
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Parts of Oklahoma are under a red flag warning until 10 p.m.
The above average temperatures, dry conditions and wind are bringing a high fire danger.
"Those stout winds, once we get a wildfire going may support rapid rates of fires spread into larger fires than we've seen in previous days," said Drew Daily, Oklahoma Forestry Services.
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Daily says the state is seeing higher than normal wildfire activity.
"Typically this time of year, we're roughly at 30 fires per week and we're pushing over 100 fires per week here as we enter into this fall period, said Daily.
With the lack of rain, conditions are only getting worse.
"We are entering the drier period of the year with January being climatological the driest month of the year already with firmly established drought and so there's some points that the damage is already done," said Daily.
While we may see some rain, Daily says it's a matter of how frequent it is.
"Right now the outlook is rather grim, but we are looking for a pattern change To at least offer some short term relief, but unfortunately it just looks like short term relief," said Daily.
Officials encourage everyone to be proactive in preventing the spread of wildfires.
Some things homeowners can do is make sure your lawn is mowed short and keep leaves and debris away from the foundation of your home.
You also shouldn't drive over dry grass, engage in activities with open flames and dispose of cigarettes properly.
For those working in agriculture, Daily says they have seen an increase in equipment-related fires.
Monday is expected to be another day for high fire danger.