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Fire chief warns of extreme heat and dryness; commissioners decline burn ban before Independence Day
Summary
Guymon Fire Chief Grant Wadley told the board the region will be over 100°F, windy and very dry; although chiefs recommended considering a burn ban, the commissioners voted not to impose a burn ban for the holiday week.
Guymon Fire Chief Grant Wadley told the Texas County commissioners on June 29 that heat and wind created conditions that made a burn ban likely necessary in the near term, but said local chiefs were reluctant to impose a ban ahead of Independence Day. "It is going to be over 100 and windy all week and it is still very dry," Wadley said, noting that other chiefs agreed there was "probably a need for a burn ban." He said he would leave the decision up to the commissioners.
After discussion, the board voted (motion by Sledge, second by Bickford) not to impose a burn ban during the week of Independence Day. Commissioners recorded Aye votes from Sledge, Bickford and Edwards. Wadley said fire departments planned to "chase the fires" if needed during the holiday period.
The decision leaves wildfire-prevention choices to operational response rather than a formal ban for the week.
