Oklahoma fire information, from Mark Goeller, assistant director of Forestry Services

This information was provided by Mark Goeller, Asst. Director of Forestry Services:

ODAFF fire fighters battled 23 separate fires in the eastern protection area yesterday and last night. Due to the duration of the fire activity in the Protection Area, many firefighters are off this morning due to Work-Rest Guidelines. Units from the SE Area are being deployed to the NE Area to provide adequate suppression resources throughout the next two days.

Numerous large fires occurred yesterday across Oklahoma. One request for assistance on a series of eight arson fires was received from Beggs Fire Department yesterday. The request was unable to be filled due to the level of activity in the NE and EC Areas.

Statewide Discussion: Fire Danger today will range from high to extreme in all but far SE Oklahoma today. Very poor humidity recovery in fine fuels occurred overnight. Wildfires will be possible early today in cured, fine fuels. Relative Humidity values will be in the teens to low twenty percent range, winds gusting to above 30 mph, and very warm temperatures will combine to allow fires to start easily and spread rapidly.

Competition for firefighting resources will again be high today. Extreme caution should be exercised by firefighting personnel when engaging in fire suppression activities.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Wednesday from Noon to 9:00 p.m. for the following counties: Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Cimarron, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Major, Roger Mills, Texas, Tillman, Washita, Woods, and Woodward.

Very High to Extreme Fire Danger can be expected as a result of extremely low relative humidity values in the single digits to low teens, south winds in the 15-25 mph range with higher gusts and temperatures in the 80-90 degree range. Any fire that starts today in this area will be resistant to control. Firefighting personnel in and near the Warned Area need to be prepared for extreme fire behavior today.

Moist Gulf air is expected to return to much of eastern Oklahoma late today and tonight which will help lessen fire danger and aid in control efforts on any on-going fire.

Special note to the public: Controlled burning today is not advised. Outdoor burning will be difficult or impossible to control under the forecast fire weather conditions. Be extremely careful with anything that could start a wildfire.

Thank you for joining our conversation on Oklahoma Weather Blog. We encourage your discussion but ask that you stay within the bounds of our commenting and posting policy.