County Commissioners passed a resolution today creating a burn ban in Tulsa County effective immediately until July 16, 2012, at which time Commissioners will consider an additional burn ban. The resolution prohibits outdoor burning in the county including controlled burns and bonfires.
Emergency management officials have been surveying area fire departments for the last several days. Today, the results, along with the weather forecast determined that conditions were appropriate for a burn ban according to the guidelines for extreme fire dangers set out in state law.
This burn ban allows exceptions for outdoor grilling with electric or gas grills with the stipulation that all outdoor grilling must be done over gravel, concrete, or another non-flammable surface. In addition, all operating grills should be attended by an adult who has direct access to a water hose.
On July 16, 2012, Tulsa County Commissioners will meet to assess the need for an extended burn ban. If significant rain fall occurs in Tulsa County, the ban may be lifted. The penalty for violating this burn ban is misdemeanor charge with a fine of up to $500.00 and/or imprisonment for one year.