Honestly, if you've lived in Oklahoma for more than a week, you know the wind is basically a permanent resident. But today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, that wind is doing more than just rattling your screen door. It's turning the state into a tinderbox. If you're looking for a list of burn bans in Oklahoma today, you’ve likely noticed the air feels different—crisp, dry, and frankly, a bit dangerous for anyone thinking about lighting up a brush pile.
Most people think a burn ban is just about big wildfires, but it’s actually much more local than that. Right now, Oklahoma Forestry Services is tracking a patchwork of restrictions across the state. As of this morning, several counties—including Cleveland County—have officially activated bans. They aren't alone. You’re looking at a growing cluster of counties in central and southern Oklahoma where the fire marshals and county commissioners have looked at the humidity levels and decided "not today."
Why the List of Burn Bans in Oklahoma Today Keeps Growing
It’s not just about the heat. Actually, it's quite the opposite today. We started with temperatures in the teens and 20s, but that midday rebound into the 50s and 60s is the real killer. When the air warms up that fast, the relative humidity (RH) drops like a stone. In places like Cimarron County, we’re seeing RH values as low as 15%. Even in the more humid eastern parts of the state, it's hovering around 20-25%.
When the humidity is that low, grass becomes "receptive." That’s the fancy term forestry experts use to say that if a spark hits it, it’s going to go. We're currently seeing 1-hour fuel moisture at 5-6%. That is incredibly low.
Current Counties Under Restriction
While the map changes by the hour, here is the situation for January 18:
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- Cleveland County: Recently added due to high winds and dry vegetation.
- Southwest Oklahoma: Several counties here are under "extreme fire danger" notices even if a formal ban hasn't been signed by the Governor yet.
- The Panhandle: High concern in Beaver and Cimarron counties due to sustained northerly winds.
If you don't see your specific county named in the news, don't just assume you’re in the clear. Local fire departments often have "red flag" standing orders that override your desire to burn trash.
The Two Types of Bans (And Why It Matters)
There’s a massive difference between a County Commissioner Burn Ban and a Governor’s Burn Ban.
A county-level ban is usually passed by your local commissioners and lasts for 14 days. It’s a quick response to local conditions. On the other hand, a Governor’s Burn Ban is a much bigger deal. It covers huge swaths of the state and stays in place until the state forestry guys say the danger has passed. If you get caught breaking a Governor’s ban, the fine can hit $1,000 and you could spend a year in jail. County fines are usually capped at $500, but honestly, neither is a great way to spend your weekend.
Expert Tip: Even if there isn't a formal ban, if the wind is over 15 mph or the humidity is under 30%, just don't do it. The fire department doesn't want to spend their Sunday afternoon chasing a "controlled" burn that went rogue.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Burning
You'd be surprised how many people think "controlled" means "safe." In Oklahoma, a fire can move at 180 feet per minute in tall grass. That’s faster than most people can run through a field.
The biggest misconception? That "it rained two days ago, so I'm fine." Oklahoma’s "fine-dead fuels" (the tall grass and weeds) dry out in a matter of hours, not days. By the time the sun is high in the sky today, whatever moisture was left from last week is long gone.
What is actually prohibited?
Usually, when you see a list of burn bans in Oklahoma today, the following things are strictly off-limits:
- Campfires and Bonfires: This includes those "fire pits" people love in their backyards.
- Trash Burning: A huge cause of accidental fires in rural counties.
- Prescribed Burns: Even if you have a permit, a ban usually cancels it immediately.
Some bans allow for gas or electric grills—but only if they are on a non-combustible surface like gravel or concrete. If you're grilling on a wooden deck in the middle of a ban, you're asking for a visit from the sheriff.
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How to Stay Legal and Safe
If you absolutely must do something that involves heat today, follow the "30-30-30" rule. If the temperature is above 30 degrees (it is), the wind is above 30 mph (it’s getting there), and the humidity is below 30% (it definitely is), you are in the danger zone.
Check the Oklahoma Mesonet or the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture website. They update their maps frequently. If you see a Red Flag Warning from the National Weather Service, that is your signal to keep the matches in the drawer.
Actionable Steps for Today
Don't wait for a knock on the door or the smell of smoke. If you are in a county on the list of burn bans in Oklahoma today, do these three things right now:
- Clear your perimeter: Move firewood piles or tall brush away from your house.
- Check your equipment: Make sure your chainsaws or mowers have spark arrestors if you're working in the field.
- Report early: If you see smoke, call 911 immediately. In these conditions, a five-minute delay is the difference between a small grass fire and a lost home.
The fire danger is expected to moderate slightly by Monday as a cold front brings higher humidity and maybe even some light snow to northern Oklahoma. But for today, keep the fire in the fireplace—not the yard.
Next Steps:
- Verify your specific county status on the Oklahoma Forestry Services Burn Ban Map.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts through your county's emergency management office.
- Ensure your outdoor water hoses are connected and pressurized, just in case a neighbor isn't as informed as you are.