Due to improving wildland fire conditions, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has issued a proclamation reducing the number of counties in the governor’s burn ban from 14 to seven. The change came at the recommendation of Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) after an analysis of the impact of recent rains.

Counties that remain under the governor’s burn ban are: Beaver, Cimarron, Ellis, Harper, Texas, Woods and Woodward.

“The drought continues to persist across northwest Oklahoma, but the recent rains have given most of the state a reprieve from extreme fire conditions,” said Fallin.

While the governor has the authority to issue burn bans for multiple counties, county commissioners also issue bans for their individual counties. There are currently no county burn bans in effect, but citizens should always check with local officials or visit the OFS website to see if county burn bans are in place before doing any type of burning.

“Spring green-up typically signals the end of our winter fire season,” said OFS Director and State Forester Mark Goeller. “While some improvement has been realized with recent rainfall, significant green-up has not yet occurred in the Panhandle and northwest Oklahoma.”

Unlawful activities under the ban include open flames, campfires, bonfires, and setting fire to trash, grass, woods or other materials outdoors. Gas and charcoal grilling is allowed, provided that it is over a nonflammable surface and at least 5 feet from flammable vegetation.

OFS is the state’s lead agency related to wildland fire prevention and protection. For additional information about wildfires, visit www.forestry.ok.gov/wildfire-information.