Commissioners pass county-wide burn ban

Caddo County Commissioners, citing the threat of dangerous wildfires, passed a county-wide burn ban at their Dec. 27 meeting in Anadarko. The commissioners took the action after reports from the various fire departments in the county showed overwhelming support for a ban on outdoor flames.

The ban, which will be in effect through January 10, 2022 unless extended by the commissioners, made for several exceptions to the ban, including allowing outdoor welding, cutting torch or grinding operations permissible when conducted over a non-combustible surface, and when welding blankets and screens are properly used to cover flammable vegetations, and when win speeds are less than 20 miles per hour. Commissioners also exempted outdoor cooking activities not involving campfires or bonfires. Gas and charcoal-fired cooking in an enclosed receptacle is permitted provided the activity is conducted over a non-combustible surface and at least 5 feet from vegetation.

As part of the ban, it is unlawful for an individual to set fire to any forest, grass, range, crop or to burn rubbish or other material that could cause a wildfire.

According to commissioners 16 of the 18 fire departments in the county supported the ban as a way to prevent wildfires, and the possible loss of property or lives.