Burn Ban Now State Wide

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Gov. Mary Fallin has issued an executive proclamation expanding a ban on outdoor burning to cover the entire state of Oklahoma.

The burn ban put in place on July 14 now includes 32 additional counties

Fallin on Wednesday noted that Oklahoma has just experienced the hottest July on record, and predictions of unrelenting extreme heat with no relief in sight make the statewide burn ban necessary.

Fallin says Oklahoma Forestry Services has reported increased fire activity across the state, and firefighter fatigue is a growing concern.

Gas and charcoal grilling are allowed as long as it's done over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation.

Oklahomans also can't set campfires, bonfires or fireworks, nor burn trash, grass, woods or other materials outdoors.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.