Kingfisher County commissioners, at the request of county fire departments, declared a two-week burn ban Monday.

The ban, starting on April 11 and ending on April 25, has several exceptions to the ban including the following:

• Welding, cutting torch and grinding – 1. when conducted over a 20-by 20-foot non-flammable surface; 2. when wind speeds are below 15 miles per hour, and 3. when a fire watchman (other than the welder) is posted on the site with pressurized water or a fire extinguisher.

• Outdoor grilling – LPG and charcoal fired cooking is acceptable and natural gas grills for outside grilling is permitted as long as conducted in a grilling receptacle and provided that the grilling is done over a non-flammable surface and away from flammable vegetation.

• Controlled burn – Land owner must have NRCS approved burn plan that is in compliance with fire chiefs and law enforcement requirements.

The ban may be rescinded at any time during the 14-day period.

Officials with Oklahoma Forestry Services warned Tuesday that the potential for extreme fire danger is present across western Oklahoma.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect with sustained southwest winds to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, single digit relative humidity and temperatures approaching the mid-90s.

These conditions coupled with critically dry fuel conditions will allow for extreme fire behavior.

“Conditions are looking ominous and there is a high probability of significant fire occurrence with outbreak conditions probable,” said Drew Daily, fire staff officer for OFS.

“Eerily, conditions today (Tuesday) will be very similar to those that occurred on April 12, 2018 when the Rhea, 34 Complex and Shaw Fires occurred along with a number of other impactful fires.”

In advance of predicted fire weather OFS has prepositioned Suppression Groups (engines, dozers and overhead personnel) in Woodward and Weatherford. Oklahoma National Guard helicopters and a fixed wing Oklahoma Highway Patrol aircraft with OFS Operations Specialist are also available.

“Under these extreme conditions we strongly discourage any burning at all and urge Oklahomans to be careful with any outdoor activities that could spark a wildfire. Delaying things like charcoal cooking and welding can make a difference [on Red Flag days],” said OFS Fire Management Chief Andy James.

“In these conditions, any fire that starts has the potential to spread rapidly. We urge Oklahomans to be vigilant and to call 911 if they see any new fire or smoke.”

Homeowners can also make their home more defensible by moving trash, debris and other flammable items like firewood piles or portable propane tanks a safe distance away from their home.

Burn bans are currently in place for 21 counties.

County commissioners also enacted a resolution approving United States treasury replacement rules regarding COVID-19 recovery funds under $10 million.

Kingfisher County received $3,062,000. Commission Chairman Heath Dobrovolny said the plan provides local government entities more leeway in handling fund expenditures, although Kingfisher County had already followed early regulations regarding the expenditures.

“I believe we were right in doing that,” he said to fellow commissioners Jeff Moss, District 1, and Ray Alan Shimanek, District 2.

The funds were awarded to fire departments and rural water districts.

Dobrovolny said several agencies receiving funds have encumbered the recovery funds for uses approved.

He also reported that the courthouse will be closed Friday for Good Friday holiday.

A report on Covid cases from the state health department related the county was free of the disease this week, although one additional death occurred during the preceding week.

Commissioners approved monthly reports for the sheriff, treasurer, county clerk, assessor, court clerk, election board, health department and court clerk preservation fund for the month of March as well as election board and district attorney state reimbursement forms.

Commissioners unanimously approved an energy/fuel surcharge for rock chip and seal projects for all districts, and pipeline road crossings for the following:

• K&J Construction – three sites for 12-inch and four-inch lay flat water lines in District 2, all in the vicinity of one mile south and six miles east of Dover, and one in District 1 located nine miles east and two miles south of the U.S. 81/Dover-Crescent Road intersection.

• Ovintiv USA –four locations for 12-inch lay flat water lines in District 1; one located five miles south and 10 miles east of Kingfisher, one located four miles east of Okarche, one located three miles east of Okarche and one located four miles south and three miles east of Kingfisher.

• Enlink Midstream – 24-inch steel gas line located six miles south of Omega in District 3.

A $4,753 invoice from Circuit Engineering District 8 for 20 bridge inspections received approval as did monthly appropriations for the month of March.

Shimanek reported he would attend a CED#8 board meeting on Wednesday and County Engineer Nik Smith reminded that safety meetings would be held on Wednesday.

Dobrovolny said he would attend the Wheatheart Nutrition Program board meeting on Thursday in Blackwell.

County Clerk Jeannie Boevers served as official minute clerk.