Agricultural News
OSU Fire Ecology Specialist John Weir Warns of Danger, Offers Guidance
Mon, 20 Dec 2021 17:06:14 CST
When the wind comes sweeping down the plains, it can also spread dangerous wildfires. When Oklahoma enters its dry season, usually in November, wildfire danger in the state also increases. Right now, 95% of the state is classified as experiencing abnormally dry conditions or worse, according to the latest drought monitor report.
Today, KC Sheperd, associate director of Radio Oklahoma Ag Network, met with John Weir, extension fire ecology specialist at Oklahoma State University, to go over what exacerbates wildfire risk and some tips from an expert on wildfire mitigation and prevention.
"The winds are the biggest driving factor of all wildfires," Weir said. "Dry conditions make things even worse, but if you look at all the large fires, it is all has to do with high-wind days."
With the wind being the largest contributor to wildfires in Oklahoma, it is not a surprise that March, Oklahoma's windiest month, is also the month Oklahoma sees the most wildfire activity, according to Weir.
"Like Ben Franklin said, 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,'" Weir said. "We need to be thinking about this long before that fire is coming toward your property or livestock."
He advises Oklahomans to keep grass and brush mowed short and rake leaves away from around structures.
"Do not stack flammable materials on your porch or right next to your house," Weir said. "Like your firewood; keep it a little way away from the house. I know it is easy to get it off the back porch but think about if embers get in there and it starts that log pile on fire."
Flammable trees should be removed or pruned to at least six feet high in case a wildfire comes through an area, he said. Additionally, farming and ranching equipment should be stored in a barn or garage if possible. That way, equipment is protected from falling embers in the event of a wildfire. If equipment cannot be stored indoors, it should be kept on concrete, dirt or very shortly mowed grass. On top of that, Weir said people should clean equipment off before putting it away.
"Think about the last thing you did with that equipment," Weir said. "If you were running a mower and you mowed a lot and have a lot of debris on your mower deck, you want to clean all that dried debris off because that is a place for a fire to get started and possibly carry into your equipment."
For producers who store hay, not only is their hay a fire hazard, but many insurance companies only cover haystacks to a certain value. Therefore, it is in producers' best interests to space haystacks out and keep them managed, he added.
For producers who own livestock, Weir suggests setting minerals or feed in different corners of a pasture. That way, livestock will stomp down grass in those areas, giving themselves somewhere to go in case of a wildfire. If it is safe, Weir said producers can open gates or cut fence too.
"First and foremost, do not ever get in front of an oncoming fire," Weir said. "It is not worth it."
When the risk of wildfire danger is higher, it is extremely dangerous to burn trash or brush piles, let alone in Oklahoma's dry season regardless. Weir suggests people save their combustibles for wetter months, like May or June. Additionally, the open burning of trash is prohibited in Oklahoma unless conducted in accordance with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.
Through planning and exercising caution, Weir said people can keep themselves, their family and their neighbors safe this winter.
Hit the LISTEN BAR below to hear KC Sheperd and John Weir discuss Oklahoma's 2021/2022 fire season.
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