July 26, 2025

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Understanding Wildfires
News
March 26, 2025
Understanding Wildfires
By KATINA HOLLAND HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE,

As wildfires continue to pose significant threats to communities around the state, understanding how to stay safe and prevent fires is more crucial than ever. Wildfires can start with a simple spark and rapidly grow into massive, uncontrollable blazes that threaten lives, property, and natural resources. This article provides essential tips and safety measures to help you stay prepared and avoid contributing to wildfire risks.

As wildfires continue to pose significant threats to communities around the state, understanding how to stay safe and prevent fires is more crucial than ever. Wildfires can start with a simple spark and rapidly grow into massive, uncontrollable blazes that threaten lives, property, and natural resources. This article provides essential tips and safety measures to help you stay prepared and avoid contributing to wildfire risks.

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Wildfires can occur naturally, often sparked by lightning, but human activities are responsible for the majority of these fires. Factors such as dry conditions, high winds, and abundant fuel sources (like dead trees and dry grass) increase the likelihood of a wildfire. Recognizing these elements can help individuals take proactive steps against starting unintentional fires.

Understanding the conditions that contribute to wildfires is essential for prevention. Educating yourself about the local environment and staying alert to warning signs can make a significant difference. For instance, during dry spells, even a small spark from a grill or a discarded cigarette butt or even a chain being dragged on the concrete can ignite a devastating fire. By being mindful of your surroundings and activities, you can help protect not only your own property but also the wider community and natural habitats.

Awareness and education are key components in combating wildfires. Sharing information and tips with friends, family, and neighbors can foster a community-wide commitment to fire prevention. Together, through vigilance and responsible actions, we can minimize the dangers posed by wildfires and work towards a safer environment for everyone.

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• Check Local Regulations: Always be aware of local fire regulations and restrictions, especially during dry seasons. Many areas impose bans on open flames, fireworks, and other potential fire hazards when conditions are ripe for wildfires. The city of Okmulgee, like many areas prone to wildfires, has specific regulations and restrictions in place, particularly during dry seasons or periods of high fire risk.

- Open Burning Restrictions: Open burning of any kind is prohibited during periods of high fire danger. This includes burning of leaves, brush, and other debris. Always check with local authorities for current restrictions before starting any fire.

- Fireworks Limitations: The use of fireworks is restricted or banned during certain times of the year, when conditions are dry. It’s essential to verify any bans in place before purchasing or using fireworks.

- Permits for Controlled Burns: If you plan to conduct a controlled burn for agricultural or land management purposes, you must obtain a burn permit from local fire services. Permits ensure that burns are conducted safely and under appropriate conditions.

• Report Unattended Fires: If you spot an unattended or out-of-control fire, contact local authorities immediately.

New HPS Board Member Welcomed
A: Main, Lifestyle...
New HPS Board Member Welcomed
July 26, 2025
Willem Vandenborn is welcomed by Henryetta Public Schools Superintendent Jason Price after he was sworn in to fill the Ward 2 seat on the HPS board. The action came during a special meeting Thursday, ...
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Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
A: Main, Lifestyle...
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
July 25, 2025
Patrons Bank is urging the community to be on high alert as phone scams targeting bank customers continue to rise across the country - and right here at home.Scammers are spoofing legitimate bank phon...
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Christmas in July is today
A: Main, Main...
Christmas in July is today
July 25, 2025
Downtown Henryetta is set to come alive with holiday spirit and summer sunshine today, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presents its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. The event, scheduled fr...
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A: Main
Back-to-School excitement builds
July 25, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year quickly approaches, Henryetta Public Schools and Dewar Public Schools are rolling out the red carpet for students and families with a series of exciting back-t...
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
A: Main
Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
July 25, 2025
The City of Henryetta has announced that the Main Street railroad crossing is currently closed to all traffic. Residents needing to cross the tracks are encouraged to use the Trudgeon Street crossing ...
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Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
A: Main
Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
July 25, 2025
Shoppers across Okmulgee County and throughout the state will soon get a much-needed break on back-to-school expenses, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, and runs through...
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Editor Picks
A: Main
Historical Museum open Saturday
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum continues to welcome guests through its doors this summer with its special every-other-weekend schedule - and this Saturday is no exception. The museum will be open Jul...
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News
OCEM Report
July 25, 2025
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
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Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
News
Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
July 25, 2025
Planning is in full swing for the much-anticipated 2025 Okmulgee County Fair, with the event officially set to take place Sept. 4-6 at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.Members of the Fair Volunteer Com...
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Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
News
Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held a lively and productive meeting on Thursday, July 17, at The Shack 2.0, welcoming new members, celebrating local heritage and preparing for several key community events o...
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News
Preston Schools announces Child Nutrition Program
July 25, 2025
Preston Public Schools announced they are participating in free lunch and/or breakfast program for the 2026 school year. All students enrolled in the district or the listed sites may participate in th...
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