Tulsa County residents cannot light campfires, burn trash or set bonfires until at least Monday, Sept. 28.

The Tulsa County Board of Commissioners extended the countywide burn ban for a second time, according to a Tulsa County Emergency Management notice posted Monday, Sept. 21. The extension cites continued dry weather and little rain across the county.

The ban declares an extreme fire danger in Tulsa County. A majority of the county's municipal and rural fire chiefs verified the conditions warranting the extension.

Commissioners first declared the burn ban on Sept. 3 at an emergency meeting. Chief deputies Darren Gantz and Mark Vancuren, representing Commissioners Kelly Dunkerley and Lonnie Sims, joined Commissioner Stan Sallee in a unanimous vote to approve the original resolution, according to county meeting records. The ban was then extended through Sept. 21 after fire chiefs advocated for keeping it in place, Fox 23 reported.

The original resolution cited severe drought conditions tracked by the U.S. Drought Monitor and National Weather Service forecasts of less than half an inch of rain over three days. At the time, a majority of Tulsa County fire chiefs reported above-normal fire activity, with more than 20 percent of fires caused by escaped debris or controlled burns.

Conditions have not improved.

The National Weather Service Tulsa warned on Saturday, Sept. 19 that hot, breezy weather combined with drought-stricken fuels was increasing the fire threat across the region.

What the ban prohibits

The resolution makes it unlawful to set fire to forests, grass, rangeland, crops or other wildlands. Campfires, bonfires and outdoor trash burning are all banned.

What is still allowed

Gas or electric grilling over non-flammable surfaces is permitted. Industrial welding over non-flammable surfaces is also exempt.

Penalties

Violating the burn ban is a misdemeanor. Penalties include a fine of up to $500, up to one year in jail, or both. Any Oklahoma law enforcement officer can enforce the ban.

The Board of Commissioners may approve exceptions on a case-by-case basis through local fire protection authorities.

The ban is set to expire Monday, Sept. 28. No county official has indicated whether another extension is planned if dry conditions persist.