Oklahoma Counties Issue Burn Bans Amid Wildfires and Dry Conditions

Commissioners weigh factors like fire risk and resident needs before enacting temporary bans

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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As wildfires continue to blaze through parts of Oklahoma due to persistent dry conditions, counties across the state are issuing temporary burn bans to help reduce the risk of additional fires breaking out. The decision to enact a burn ban is made independently by each county, with officials considering factors like fire danger levels, drought conditions, and the potential impact on residents who rely on burning for trash disposal.

Why it matters

Burn bans are an important tool for local authorities to mitigate the threat of wildfires, which can cause significant damage to property and endanger lives, especially in areas experiencing drought. However, the decision to issue a ban must also weigh the needs of residents who may rely on burning for practical purposes, making it a nuanced issue that requires careful consideration by county commissioners.

The details

Before issuing a burn ban, Oklahoma County Commissioner Brian Maughan said officials gather information from various sources, including the county's emergency management director and local fire departments, to assess the fire danger level and drought conditions. While some smaller counties may quickly enact a ban when conditions warrant it, the decision is more complex for larger counties like Oklahoma, which have to balance the fire risk with the potential impact on residents who burn trash. Burn bans are issued during the county commissioners' weekly meetings and last for one month at a time.

  • Burn bans are issued during the Oklahoma County Commissioners' weekly meetings.
  • Burn bans last for one month at a time.

The players

Brian Maughan

An Oklahoma County Commissioner who oversees the process of issuing burn bans in the county.

Oklahoma County Emergency Management Director

Communicates with local fire departments to assess fire conditions and provide information to county commissioners.

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What they’re saying

“We don't do it flippantly.”

— Brian Maughan, Oklahoma County Commissioner (KFOR)

“There is actually a fairly significant number of residents in Oklahoma County who also burn their trash, just like you think of more often in the rural parts of the state, and it becomes a humanitarian issue, a sanitary issue.”

— Brian Maughan, Oklahoma County Commissioner (KFOR)

What’s next

County commissioners will continue to monitor fire conditions and drought levels in the coming weeks and months, and may extend or lift burn bans as necessary to protect public safety.

The takeaway

Burn bans are a delicate balancing act for local authorities, who must weigh the fire risk against the practical needs of residents, especially in more rural areas. The decision-making process involves close coordination with emergency management and fire department officials to ensure burn bans are enacted judiciously and with the community's best interests in mind.