By Fox23.com News Staff
WAGONER COUNTY, Okla. — The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office said deputies issued three citations to residents over the weekend as the burn ban issued for the county remains in effect.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were called out to investigate multiple reports of illegal burning throughout the weekend.
In one incident, authorities said they witnessed a large amount of smoke coming from a property in the Coweta area,
Upon investigation, deputies said they found a fire burning inside a barrel on the property.
Law enforcement said the homeowner told them he assumed the burn ban had been lifted since the area had recently received some rainfall.
The sheriff’s office said another fire in the Catoosa area jumped from several burn piles and spread into the homeowner’s yard.
Deputies said a citation was issued after their investigation confirmed the fire had been started during the current burn ban.
“We do not want to issue citations to our citizens,” said Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliott. “Our goal is to educate and protect our community, especially when conditions are this dry. However, when a burn ban is in effect, we have a responsibility to uphold the law and enforce the restrictions that are in place. We encourage everyone to call before they burn and make sure they understand whether burning is permitted.”
The sheriff’s office explained that recent rainfall or other changes in weather conditions doesn’t automatically mean a burn ban has been lifted.
To keep yourself and others safe, it’s best to always reach out to local authorities to confirm whether or not it’s safe to burn.
For those living in Wagoner County, you can reach out to the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office at 918-485-3124 to determine the current status of the burn ban or to clarify any additional exceptions or requirements related to burning.
Those living elsewhere can contact their local fire department or local sheriff’s office with questions about burn bans in their area.
