Windy conditions are on tap for today, and Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) is urging residents to use extreme caution in the face of what the agency says is the strongest fire weather so far this year, especially in the western part of the state.

In a press release, the OFS said very high to extreme fire danger indices will develop on Friday, March 31 and wildfire concerns are expected to remain in place for the next seven days.

“For at least the next week, OFS is encouraging Oklahomans to avoid activities that may spark a wildfire,” said State Forester Mark Goeller. “We have been fortunate so far this year in avoiding the number of fires seen in recent years and we hope this continues.”

Although Seminole County is not in the immediate area of wildfire concern, most of neighboring Pottawatomie County is included in the risk area. Locally, winds are expected to begin kicking up early Friday afternoon, in between two lines of thunderstorms.

According to OFS, the duration of Oklahoma’s current drought has limited the amount of fuel (i.e., grass and timber litter) although when coupled with the intensity of the forecasted fire weather, sufficient fuel is in place to worsen any fires that are sparked.

Landowners that have been conducting beneficial prescribed fires in recent days are asked to ensure that these fires are thoroughly mopped up and patrolled to limit escape potential as the weather becomes warm, dry, and windy.

OFS is deploying firefighting resources, including engines, dozers and personnel, to both Woodward and Guthrie.

For wildfire information, county burn ban resolutions, and the Oklahoma “Wildfire Situation Report” visit forestry.ok.gov.