Seminole County, along with the rest of the state, is facing a week of unseasonably warm temperatures and continued dry conditions, leading to a significant fire danger.

While meteorologists do not expect “critical” fire weather—characterized by extreme winds and low humidity—the underlying fire danger remains significant.

According to the Oklahoma Fire Report, the primary concern this week is the condition of the vegetation (fuels). A recent period of accelerated drying, combined with a lack of “wetting” rainfall, has led to the full curing of dormant fuels. Consequently, resistance to control has increased in many areas. While fires may not spread at critical speeds, they may require longer durations and more resources to contain.

With that in mind, residents are reminded to refrain from any outdoor burning this week.

To protect your property from a devastating fire, keep these safety rules in mind: - Don’t start a fire on a windy day. Save it for another time.

- Dispose of used matches and cigarette butts in a closed container or cup of water. Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.

- Don’t park a hot car or other machine in dry grass.

- Don’t allow gasoline or motor oil to spill on grass or other vegetation.

- Tractors, off-road vehicles and equipment being used in wooded areas, such as chainsaws, must have spark arrestors.

“Wildland fires are a force of nature that can be nearly as impossible to prevent, and as difficult to control, as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Wildfire can be a friend and a foe, the Oklahoma Forestry Department says. “In the right place at the right time, wildland fire can create many environmental benefits, such as reducing grass, brush, and trees that can fuel large and severe wildfires and improving wildlife habitat. In the wrong place at the wrong time, wildfires can wreak havoc, threatening lives, homes, communities, and natural and cultural resources.”