Tulsa County's burn ban will remain in effect through Sept. 21 after commissioners voted to extend it.

The Tulsa County Board of Commissioners approved the extension on Tuesday, Sept. 8, KTUL reported. The ban had been set to expire the same day. It was originally issued Sept. 3.

A majority of the county's municipal and rural fire chiefs pushed for the extension, citing continued extreme fire danger, according to KTUL. When the original ban was adopted, fire chiefs reported their departments were experiencing above-normal levels of fire occurrence. More than 20 percent of fires were caused by escaped debris burning or controlled burning, according to the county's original resolution.

The resolution cited severe drought conditions identified by the U.S. Drought Monitor and a National Weather Service forecast of no more than half an inch of rain over the following three days. Public Radio Tulsa reported that weeks of heat and dry air had left Oklahoma's brush dangerously dry ahead of the original ban.

Tulsa County was among 57 Oklahoma counties under burn bans when the restriction first took effect, according to Public Radio Tulsa.

What the ban covers

The ban prohibits setting fire to grass, brush, crops or other wildlands. Campfires, bonfires and burning trash or debris are off-limits. The Tulsa Fire Department confirmed the ban covers the City of Tulsa.

Gas or electric grills and industrial welding are permitted, provided both are on nonflammable surfaces.

Penalties

Violating the ban is a misdemeanor under Oklahoma Statutes Title 2, Section 16-26.B. Penalties include a fine of up to $500, up to one year in jail, or both, according to the county resolution.

What comes next

The original resolution noted that additional extensions could be considered if extreme fire danger persists. No further action beyond the Sept. 21 deadline has been announced.

Residents can report illegal burning to the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office or their local fire department.