The next few months could see a return of damaging wildfires to many areas of Oklahoma, according to Mark Goeller, State Forester and Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services.

“March through April is going to be our most active wildfire season this year because of La Nina, which typically means warmer and dryer conditions,” Goeller said in a recent interview with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays.

The most recent La Nina years, 2016-2018, saw large, damaging out-of-control fires across western and northwestern Oklahoma, according to Goeller.

“We saw significant loss to livestock and infrastructure those years,” Goeller said. “What we’re looking at in 2021 is typically warmer and dryer and with our fuel growth out there will help sustain a fire.”

People often refer to the fires in Oklahoma as grassfires but Goeller said they often are a mixture of fuel sources.

“Grass carries the fire, but they burn through numerous other materials such as trees and leaves and other types of fuel,” Goeller said.

Goeller also noted in the interview that trees such as the Eastern Red Cedar are often considered a prime fire fuel, but it is not the only problematic vegetation. Red Cedar is one of many species that can cause problems because of the oil, he stated.

Creating a defensible space can help slow or stop the spread of wildfire and protect your home from catching fire – either from embers, direct flame contact, or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important to help protect firefighters when they are defending your home.

Defensible space requires establishing a healthy, well maintained landscape. Native plants and trees, and healthy habitat for birds, animals, and pollinators can, and should, be part of your defensible space.

Creating defensible space does not mean you need a ring of bare dirt around your home. Through proper planning and routine maintenance, you can have both a beautiful landscape and a fire-resistant home.

Your home may be the most valuable investment you ever make. If you live in a high-risk fire hazard area, protect against the chance of losing that investment by creating defensible space.

The Seminole Fire Department reported that it responded recently to a fire in rural Seminole County. Fire Chief Fielding Lucas said that the homeowner had taken the proper precautions against wildfire and had the proper defensible space around the home. It kept the grass fire from burning down their home.