Claremore Daily Progress

Top Stories

August 3, 2012

Gov. Fallin issues statewide burn ban

Staff Reports Claremore Progress

OKLAHOMA CITY — As drought conditions continue to worsen across Oklahoma, Gov. Mary Fallin has announced that a ban on outdoor burning for all 77 Oklahoma counties is effective immediately.

Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, recommended the ban based upon an analysis of fire activity, wild land fuel conditions and the predicted continued drought. The governor’s statewide burn ban supersedes all county burn bans currently in place and remains in place until conditions improve and it is removed by the governor.

“Extreme heat and ongoing drought have created conditions very conducive to wildfires,” Fallin said. “A statewide burn ban is now necessary to reduce the risk of preventable wildfires and to protect lives and property.

“Moving forward, we need the public to be extremely vigilant. Lit cigarettes, flat tires and cars parked in dry grass can quickly become dangerous. Everyone must do their part to help prevent fires and to keep our families and businesses safe from harm." 

State Forester George Geissler said reports of fire activity across the state are increasing and Oklahomans should report any fire they see immediately.

“Any fire that starts has the potential to burn very intensely and be difficult to extinguish,” said Geissler. “It is critical that anyone who sees a fire report it to the nearest fire department as soon as possible.”

Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, fireworks and setting fire to debris or trash, grass, woods or other materials outdoors. 

The ban allows for gas and charcoal grilling provided that it is over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation and there are exemptions for a number of items such as welding and road construction. 

Text Only
Top Stories
  • Ham Radio Field Day Ham Radio operators ready for Annual Field Day

    Amateur radio operators or “hams” from the Mayes County Amateur Radio and the Rogers County Wireless Association will present an Amateur Radio Field Day from 1 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday at the Claremore Expo Center. 

    June 19, 2013 1 Photo

  • Commissioners seek help to clean up county

    Rogers County Commissioner Kirt Thacker seeks help to clean up abandoned structures, burned  homes and overgrown areas.

    June 19, 2013

  • City budget approved with utility rate hikes

    The Claremore City Council approved the 2013-14 budget including utility rate increases for water, trash and sewer services.

    June 19, 2013

  • Supermarket starts construction in Oologah

    Apple Market, Doc’s Food Stores and Associated Wholesale Grocers will host a ground breaking at 1 p.m. on Monday at Hwy.  169 and Hwy. 88 in Oologah.

    June 19, 2013

  • Oologah Lake oil pipeline UPDATE: Oil pipeline inspection underway at Oologah Lake

    A routine maintenance inspection of an oil pipeline below the floor of Oologah Lake is currently underway, according to information provided by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Tulsa District.

    June 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Big Cat competition Noodlers & Classic Cars

    Classic car enthusiasts, noodlers, families and friends gathered Saturday at the Claremore Expo Center for the Hot Rods & Heroes Car Show and Poker Run, followed by the Battle of the Big Cats, “Route 66’s richest noodling showdown.”

    June 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Commissioners look to reduce insurance expenses

    The Rogers County Commissioners are looking at ways to save money in the new fiscal year by reviewing their current insurance policy.

    June 18, 2013

  • Progress wins first place for in-depth reporting

    A series of stories and editorials on Rogers County government by the Claremore Daily Progress received a first place award at the annual Better Newspaper Contest Awards.

    June 18, 2013

  • G8 exposes rift among leaders on Syria

    Deep differences over Syria’s fierce civil war clouded a summit of world leaders Monday, with Russian President Vladimir Putin defiantly rejecting calls from the U.S., Britain and France to halt his political and military support for Syrian leader Bashar Assad’s regime.

    June 17, 2013

  • OU pushes online material as textbook alternative

    Students are saving money on textbooks because of a program that puts more college course material online, according to University of Oklahoma officials.

    June 17, 2013