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Logan County is accepting applications for the position of Board Member representing District #2 on the Logan County Fair Board. This appointment is for a three-year term and is being made in lieu of an election, since no person filed for candidacy.
Any person wishing to be considered must be a registered qualified voter, reside in Commissioner District #2 and complete an application. Applications are available below on this website or may be picked up at the County Commissioners' Office, 312 E Harrison, Suite 101, Guthrie. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Jan. 31, 2012, and may be returned to the annex or emailed to logancountycommissioners@gmail.com.
For state and county burn ban information go to http://www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information.
July 1, 2011
Due to severe drought, we have been receiving a number of phone calls from citizens concerned about the threat of wildfire. Some have asked why when surrounding counties have implemented a burn ban, Logan County has not.
First of all, though Cleveland, Oklahoma and McClain counties have enacted a burn ban, the use of fireworks and outdoor grilling are still allowed in unincorporated areas.
It is a priority of the Logan County Board of Commissioners to follow the law. To do otherwise would render the law meaningless. By statute, we can only implement a burn ban when the criteria for enacting it has been met. Should circumstances change and requirements be met, we are not opposed to enacting a ban. In the meantime, we do our best to explain to the public that we are subject to the guidelines of the law, and hope you understand.
The following information, excerpted from a previously published article, explains again the criteria.
Enacting Burn Ban No Light Matter
Due to drought conditions in Oklahoma, it is not uncommon to hear that various counties throughout the state are banning outdoor burning.
The decision by a Board of County Commissioners to enact a burn ban is more complex than some realize. It is not done lightly, since there are statutory requirements which MUST be met.
In this article, I want to explain the process for implementing a burn ban, as practiced by Logan County under the guidance of Oklahoma Forestry Services.
To reduce the threat of wildfire, Article 16 Section 16-26 of the Oklahoma Forestry Code authorizes the Governor to declare a ban on outdoor burning, based upon drought conditions and the recommendation of the Forestry Division.
County commissioners are also authorized to exercise similar authority at county level. They may enact a burn ban for up to 30 days, provided they follow certain procedures and meet specific conditions.
Prior to the passage of a burn ban, the Board must declare the existence of extreme fire danger. This means the following conditions MUST exist:
1. Moderate, severe or extreme drought exists as determined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
2. No more than 1/2" of precipitation is forecast for the next three days
3. Fire occurrence is greater than normal for the season and/or initial attack on a significant number of wildland fires has been unsuccessful due to extreme fire behavior
4. More than 20% of wildfires in the county have been caused by escaped debris burning or controlled burning activities, and...
Commissioners must also document that a majority of the county's municipal and certified rural departments agree that extreme fire danger exists.
Once a burn ban is enacted, it becomes effective immediately. It can also be cancelled before the 30 days expire, but this must be done by resolution.
On the same day that a ban is implemented, notification must be made to the Departments of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Public Safety, Tourism and Recreation, Wildlife Conservation, local news media and local law enforcement officials.
Boards of Commissioners may include certain exceptions within a burn ban, and these can differ from county to county.
Accessing the Oklahoma Forestry website allows you to view a map illustrating counties beneath a burn ban and the resolution pertaining to each. When in effect, Logan County burn ban resolutions will be posted online at www.logancountyok.com under the "NEWS" link.
Using common sense when it comes to outdoor burning is still the best prevention of wildfire. Mowing grass, keeping leaves and debris away from structures and using caution when conducting outdoor burning may prevent loss of life and property. As one Logan County fire department official said, "It helps us if they (the citizens) help themselves."
More information about the procedures county commissioners must follow when enacting or calling off a burn ban are posted online at www.commissiondistrict1.com.
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