commissioners approve burn ban

POTEAU — LeFlore County commissioners approved a burn ban Tuesday, Oct. 13, citing extreme fire danger throughout the county.

The ban took effect immediately and lasts for a period not to exceed seven days unless commissioners lift it earlier. Additional resolutions may extend the ban if extreme fire danger persists.

According to the resolution, a majority of the county’s municipal and rural fire chiefs, or their representatives, documented their agreement that extreme fire danger exists.

The ban prohibits setting fire to forests, grasslands, ranges, crops or other wildlands. It also prohibits campfires, bonfires and burning trash or other materials that could cause a wildland fire.

Information about exceptions, guidelines and precautionary measures is available in the supplemental “LeFlore County Burn Ban Guidelines.” Residents may obtain those guidelines by contacting LeFlore County Emergency Management or the LeFlore County Clerk’s office.

Any state law enforcement officer may enforce the ban. A person convicted of violating the resolution faces a misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

The resolution was signed by commissioners Jamie Oliver, Mike Parker and Josh Blaylock and attested by County Clerk Kelli Ford.