Tulsa County extends burn ban as heat and drought worsen

The burn ban in Tulsa County has been extended through August 6th.

Tulsa County Commissioners approved the resolution Monday morning.

Emergency management officials have been surveying area fire departments for the last several days.

The results, along with the weather forecast determined that conditions were appropriate for a burn ban according to the guidelines for extreme fire dangers set out in state law.

Outdoor burning is prohibited, and violating the burn ban is a misdemeanor punishable by a penalty of up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $500.

Charcoal grilling and grilling over a grassy surface is outlawed.

But gas and electric grilling over a nonflammable surface is permissible.

Local fire departments and fire districts were also given the flexibility to authorize exceptions to the burn ban on a case-by-case basis.