Eastern and central Oklahoma are on high alert Thursday, with a Red Flag Warning in effect that has fire crews watching every wisp of smoke. The warning blankets Tulsa and several neighboring counties through the evening as warm temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds team up to turn grass and brush into fast-burning fuel. Local fire officials are asking residents to hit pause on anything that could spark, from open burning to dragging trailer chains or parking on tall grass while strong winds sweep across the region.
The National Weather Service office in Tulsa issued the Red Flag Warning for much of northeast and central Oklahoma from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT. Forecasters cautioned that "any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly," pointing to south-southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 30 to 40 mph, relative humidity dropping into the mid-20 to 40 percent range, and afternoon highs in the upper 80s to mid-90s as the key ingredients driving the danger.
What fire officials are urging
The Tulsa Fire Department is pleading with residents to steer clear of outdoor burning and to take simple steps that can keep a tiny spark from exploding into a major blaze, as reported by FOX23. The department specifically urged people to make sure trailer chains are not dragging, to avoid tossing cigarettes from vehicles, and not to park on tall grass, all common culprits behind roadside grass fires. Officials also warned residents to hold off on any activity that might throw off sparks while the warning is in effect.
How to cut your risk
If you need to be out on the roads, secure your loads, keep vehicles in good working order and avoid driving across dry grass. If you see smoke, call 911 and give the nearest cross streets so firefighters can move in quickly, local authorities and the City of Tulsa fire prevention office advise. The National Weather Service recommends delaying recreational burning, moving grills and anything that can burn away from buildings, and checking forecasts before starting outdoor work.
Conditions can shift fast on a Red Flag day, so check updated forecasts before tackling outdoor projects and follow directions from local fire officials until the warning expires. If you spot smoke or flames, report it right away so crews can get there while the situation is still manageable.
