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Outdoor
burning is not advised this week due to the dry, windy conditions that will be
present over most of the state. Officials from Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS)
report that there were numerous wildfires across the state yesterday and
weather conditions today will be similar.
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???The
fires we have experienced over the last few days were very intense with erratic
fire behavior,??? Mark Goeller, OFS Fire Management Chief, said. ???When conditions
are extreme, OFS will continue if possible to pre-position wildland
firefighting resources near areas that are predicted to experience the worst
fire behavior, minimizing response time.??
The only factor which prevents us from pre-positioning resources is if fire
activity in our primary protection area limits resource availability.???
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Low
relative humidity, combined with very dry fuels and sustained winds at 15-20
mph, with some gusts possible near 30 mph, are creating the dangerous
conditions. This pattern is expected to repeat throughout the week.
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???Any
fire that starts will spread rapidly so we are urging everyone to delay any
outdoor activity that might spark a blaze,??? said George Geissler, Oklahoma
State Forester. ???We are just asking Oklahomans to remain vigilant as we are on
the verge of our spring fire season.???
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Outdoor burning is
discouraged and citizens are asked to report any new fires or suspicious smoke
to the closest fire department. Safety of the firefighters and public is of the
utmost concern and with this weather forecast one of the main threats for
firefighters will be rapid spread of any fire start.
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Oklahoma Forestry Services is the state's lead agency
related to wildland fire prevention, protection and use. For additional
information about wildfires, visit
www.forestry.ok.gov/wildfire-information.??
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