Oklahoma Burn Ban Laws (2026)

Oklahoma consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of active burn bans at any given time. The combination of dry grasslands, strong spring winds, and frequent drought conditions makes the state particularly prone to wildfires — and the burn ban system reflects that reality.

Check Your County Right Now

Oklahoma Forestry Services updates its burn ban map daily. This is the official state resource.

Oklahoma Forestry Services Burn Ban Map ↗

The Legal Framework

Oklahoma burn bans operate under 2 O.S. § 16-25, which gives the State Forester authority to declare burn bans for all or part of the state. County commissioners can also declare local bans independently of the state system.

The Oklahoma Forestry Services uses a combination of weather data, drought indices, and fire danger ratings to determine when conditions warrant a ban. The Oklahoma Mesonet — a network of 120 weather stations across the state — provides real-time data that feeds into these decisions.

Penalties for Violating an Oklahoma Burn Ban

Violation Charge Penalty Statute
Burning during active ban Misdemeanor Up to 30 days jail, $500 fine 2 O.S. § 16-25
Fire escapes and spreads Arson charges possible Felony + civil liability for suppression costs 21 O.S. § 1401

When Are Oklahoma Burn Bans Most Common?

Region Peak Season
Panhandle Year-round, worst Feb–May
Western Oklahoma February–May, October–December
Central Oklahoma March–May
Eastern Oklahoma Less frequent; summer drought periods

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the authority to declare a burn ban in Oklahoma?
Under 2 O.S. § 16-25, the Oklahoma State Forester has the authority to declare burn bans for all or part of the state. County commissioners can also declare local burn bans for their counties. The Governor can issue a statewide burn ban as part of a drought emergency declaration.
What are the penalties for violating a burn ban in Oklahoma?
Under 2 O.S. § 16-25, violating a burn ban in Oklahoma is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. If the fire spreads, you can be charged with arson under 21 O.S. § 1401. You can also be held civilly liable for all suppression costs.
How do I check if my Oklahoma county has an active burn ban?
Oklahoma Forestry Services maintains an interactive burn ban map at forestry.ok.gov that is updated daily. You can click on your county to see its current burn ban status. The Oklahoma Mesonet weather network also provides fire danger information at mesonet.org.
When are burn bans most common in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma burn bans are most common in late winter and early spring (February–April) when dry conditions and strong winds create extreme fire danger. The western half of the state — particularly the Panhandle — tends to have the most frequent and longest-lasting burn bans.

Other State Burn Ban Guides

→ Texas Burn Ban Guide → Kansas Burn Ban Guide → Colorado Burn Ban Guide → All States: Burn Ban Overview