McALESTER —
A burn ban is now in effect for Pittsburg County and will continue to be in effect for seven days, according to a resolution signed Monday by the Pittsburg County Commissioners during their regular meeting at the Pittsburg County Courthouse.
“There is a high fire danger right now and with the wind, the danger increases,” said Trent Myers Director of Pittsburg County Emergency Management.
He said since the time the ban was lifted, there have been several grass fires.
“The ban has been off for seven days, Myers said. “But believe me we’ve been making up for it.”
The burn ban will in place for seven days ending October 1, at 9 a.m.
According to the resolution, during the ban it is unlawful of any person to set fire to any forest, grass, range, crop or other wildlands or to build a campfire or bonfire or to burn trash or other material that my cause a forest, grass, range, crop or other wild lands fire.
The resolution also states offenders can arrested and fined for violating the ban.
Also according to the resolution, any law enforcement officer of the State of Oklahoma may carry out the enforcement and any person convicted of violating this resolution is guilty of a misdemeanor and can be fined up to $500.
Attending Monday’s meeting was District 3 Commissioner Ronnie Young, District 1 Commission Chairman Gene Rogers and District 2 Commissioner Kevin Smith.
Pittsburg County commissioners meet Mondays at 9 a.m. in the commissioners conference room at the Pittsburg County Courthouse. The meetings are open to the public.
