Tulsa, OK – Fire danger is expected to rise sharply across parts of northeast Oklahoma and far northwest Arkansas this afternoon as a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation creates near-critical wildfire conditions, according to the National Weather Service.
Officials warn that any grass or brush fires that ignite could spread rapidly and become difficult to control, especially during the peak afternoon hours.
Fire Weather Conditions Raising Concern
Forecasters say temperatures will climb into the mid-50s to low 60s on Thursday, while relative humidity levels drop to between 20% and 35%. These dry conditions, combined with northwest winds sustained at 20 to 30 mph and gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph, significantly increase the potential for fast-moving fires.
The National Weather Service in Tulsa has classified the fire risk as enhanced to near-critical, meaning conditions are favorable for aggressive fire behavior if an ignition occurs.
Areas Most at Risk Today
The highest risk is focused across northeast Oklahoma, including communities such as Tulsa, Bartlesville, Pryor, Miami, and McAlester, as well as portions of northwest Arkansas.
Meteorologists estimate that grassland fires in these areas could spread at rates of 140 to 200 feet per minute during the afternoon. At that speed, fires can quickly outrun suppression efforts, particularly in open fields, rangeland, and roadside grass.
Light Rain Unlikely to Reduce Fire Danger
While scattered light rain showers are possible during the morning hours, officials say the rainfall will provide little relief. Expected totals are generally around one-tenth of an inch, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to a quarter inch.
Fire officials caution that this amount of rain is not sufficient to meaningfully reduce fire danger, especially with winds strengthening later in the day and humidity dropping rapidly.
Why Wind Is the Biggest Threat
Strong winds are often the most dangerous factor during fire weather events. Gusty conditions can cause flames to spread quickly, push embers ahead of the fire line, and ignite new fires well beyond the original burn area.
Even small ignition sources—such as discarded cigarettes, sparks from equipment, or hot vehicle components—can lead to large grass fires under these conditions.
Safety Precautions Urged by Officials
The National Weather Service and local fire agencies are urging residents to take extra precautions throughout the day. Recommended safety measures include:
- Properly disposing of cigarettes and smoking materials
- Avoiding outdoor burning of any kind
- Using extreme caution with welding, grinding, or other spark-producing tools
- Avoiding parking vehicles on dry grass, where hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation
- Fully extinguishing old or previously controlled fires
Residents are also encouraged to check for local burn bans or fire restrictions, which may change as conditions worsen.
Conditions Expected to Improve Tonight
Fire weather conditions are expected to gradually improve after sunset. Forecasters say winds should decrease and humidity levels should rise, reducing the overall fire risk later tonight and into the overnight hours.
However, officials emphasize that vigilance is still important until weather conditions clearly stabilize.
Staying Informed as Conditions Change
Fire danger can shift quickly depending on wind speed, humidity, and temperature. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to monitor local weather updates, follow guidance from emergency officials, and report any signs of fire immediately.
Quick reporting can make a critical difference in preventing small fires from turning into large, dangerous incidents.
Share your experiences or fire safety tips in the comments below and help others stay informed during today’s heightened fire risk.
