This bill amends Section 16-26 of Title 2 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which addresses emergency drought conditions and burning prohibitions. It modifies the criteria for declaring an "extreme fire danger" by changing the requirement from all three to at least three of several specified conditions, including drought levels, precipitation forecasts, and temperature predictions. Additionally, it introduces new criteria such as the Keetch-Byram Drought Index rating and forecasts from the National Weather Service regarding fire weather conditions. The bill also outlines the process for county commissioners to declare a period of extreme fire danger and the necessary notifications to be made.
Furthermore, the bill establishes exemptions for agricultural producers conducting prescribed burns, provided they follow specific procedures, including submitting a burn plan and notifying local authorities. It clarifies that the prescribed burn plan must not include campfires or household trash burning and emphasizes that any resolutions passed by county commissioners will take effect immediately. The bill also allows for the placement of "Burn Ban" signs by fire departments and county officials, with specific guidelines for signage placement and costs. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.