State Forester John Burwell is urging Oklahomans to use caution during outdoor activities now that most of Oklahoma has experienced its first freeze. While most of Oklahoma is far from the drought conditions of 2005-2006, the amount of wildland fuels available to burn may be at or near record levels. This is due to excessive growth from the abundant moisture received across much of the State during the spring and summer months.

"The weather and wildland fuel conditions are being closely monitored throughout the state," said Burwell. "Oklahoma counties that border the Texas Panhandle are of the greatest concern at this time. However, the rest of Oklahoma is not far behind now that most of the grass has died and leaf fall in forested areas is rapidly occurring." When dry and windy conditions increase the fire danger, extreme caution is advised when using fire outdoors, such as burning brush piles or having a campfire.

"This Saturday marks the opening day of modern firearms deer season in Oklahoma," Burwell said. "Many hunters will be camping out and enjoying a campfire at the end of the day. We just urge that they please be sure that the fire is dead-out before leaving it unattended." Those intending to conduct outdoor burning should check the latest fire weather conditions by calling your local fire department or the nearest Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) Forestry Division office. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry - Forestry Division web page lists your nearest Forestry Division offices and current fire weather conditions at their website that we have linked below.