Oklahoma Forestry urges campers of firework dangers

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - As the summer continues to heat up, the Oklahoma Forestry Services, the state's lead wildland firefighting agency is reminding everyone of the increased wildfire risk that can accompany dry conditions and high temperatures.

The forestry services says its urging extra caution with fireworks and campfires over the holiday as wildfire danger increases across the state – particularly west of I-35.

“When it is this hot and this dry, wildland fuels can be easily ignited by stray fireworks and that has us hoping that people will be extremely cautious,” said State Forester Mark Goeller. “This is the week that we celebrate our nation’s independence, and nobody should have to spend it either fighting or evacuating from wildfire caused by careless behavior. Please be careful.”

Wildfire activity has picked up over the past week and fires are getting more difficult to contain and control. Dry conditions – and the risk of wildfire – will persist at least into next week, according to the Oklahoma Forestry Services.

Visit forestry.ok.gov for the latest fire information and county burn ban resolutions.