Comanche County extends burn ban for another two weeks

Comanche County Commissioners have extended the county’s burn ban for another two weeks.

Commissioners signed off on the recommendation from Emergency Management Director Clint Langford on Monday, marking the second time the ban has been extended since it was initially put into effect Sept. 16. Langford said Monday he expects the ban to remain in place until the area receives significant rainfall — and that isn’t expected any time soon.

The most recent versions of the U.S. Drought Monitor (Oct. 8) shows more counties have entered the Extreme Drought category, with all but the northeast corner of Comanche County falling into that category. Jackson, Tillman and Cotton counties are entirely within the Extreme Drought category, while most of Comanche, Stephens, Kiowa, Harmon and Greer are within that category (the areas that are not in the Extreme category are the in Severe category).

In addition, burn bans now are in place in Comanche, Caddo, Grady, Jackson, Kiowa, Tillman, Greer and Harmon counties, according to Oklahoma Forestry Services.

Langford said in addition to extending the ban, the county also has expanded the list of exemptions, to include oilfield and landfill activities, and the burning of storm/land clearing debris.

Gas vents and flares associated with the extraction or refining of oil and gas, and for other manufacturing processes or landfill operations, are exempt as long as the top of vent pipe is raised well above surrounding vegetation (sludge pits may not be burned). Woody debris may be burned if an air curtain incinerator is used and the entity is following Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) rules, the area is cleared of vegetation for at least 100 feet, wind speed is less than 15 miles per hour, and water and pumping equipment on site.

Native American ceremonial fires also are permitted in sweat lodges or over non-flammable surfaces of at least 10 feet by 10 feet. In addition, live burns for firefighter training are allowed if held on training grounds, over non-flammable surfaces and in accordance with ODEQ rules.

Charcoal grills, LPG and natural gas grills are allowed if conducted on non-flammable surface at least five feet from vegetation. Road construction equipment that uses propane or other controlled type burners may be used if a pumper is on standby when the equipment is used near grassy right of way. Welding/cutting/torch operations are allowed if done over non-combustible surfaces and welding blankets/screens are used, the wind is less than 20 miles per hour, and a fire watch is on standby. Agricultural producers may do prescribed burns, but must file a plan with the Oklahoma Forestry Services.

The ban specifies it is illegal to set fire to any forest, grass, range, crop or other wild lands; to build a campfire or bonfire; or to burn rubbish or other materials that may cause a fire. Fireworks also are prohibited.