Oklahoma Governor Adds Two Exemptions To Statewide Burn Ban

A burn ban continues statewide, but effective Tuesday, Governor Mary Fallin says there are two exemptions to that burn ban.

1. Extreme Hardship – Upon written approval of the State Forester, individuals may be approved to conduct controlled burns on their property due to extreme hardship caused by unusual or extenuating circumstances while their county is under the Governor's Ban on Outdoor Burning. No exemptions will be granted for camp fires, normal burning of brush piles, accumulation of leaves in yards or brush piles in yards, or household trash. Each situation will be evaluated for need and may be granted in those cases where there are no other alternatives available.

2. Agricultural Burning – Upon written approval (using Form AG-2012-01) of their local fire chief, and submitting the completed form to Oklahoma Forestry Services, individuals may conduct controlled burning necessary for agriculture production. The burn must be part of the actual agriculture management operations and conducted within specific minimum guidelines.

Governor Fallin says her decision was made in consultation with Oklahoma Forestry Services based on existing wildfire fuel conditions and the ongoing drought.

"I understand the length of this burn ban has made it difficult for some, particularly our agriculture producers," said Fallin. "Therefore, exemptions are being added to allow for the use of fire under very specific, controlled conditions. Existing exemptions, including those related to grilling, road construction, welding and oilfield operations, will remain in place."

To apply for the exemptions, you must fill at the appropriate forms, which you can find below:

Extreme Hardship Exemption form.

Agricultural Burning Exemption form.