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Statewide burn ban affects Tinker; stay safe, take precautions

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Oklahoma, for the foreseeable future, is under a statewide burn ban. Tinker is affected by the ruling.

Until the burn ban is lifted, certain activities are forbidden; others have stipulations.

"The Fire Department anticipates more wildfire activity in the metro area, particularly in the eastern counties," wrote Col. Steven Bleymaier, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander, in a recent email. "As wind speeds increase, we face a phenomenon known as 'spotting,' which can cause conflagration-scale fires. These fires have become more and more common of recent and pose a great threat to Tinker and our workforce."

Effective Aug. 3, there are three main areas of concern -- equipment related to road construction projects, welding, cutting torch and grinding activities, and campfires and outdoor cooking.

It is recommended water pumpers are on standby anytime road construction equipment that uses propane or controlled-type burners is used near a grassy right-of-way.

Welding and cutting-torch activities can be linked to wildfires. Therefore, restrictions have been placed on the practice. Should outdoor welding be a necessity, operators must perform their work over a non-combustible surface of at least 10-feet by 10-feet. Blankets or screens must be used to cover flammable vegetation and they should not do the work if wind speeds are greater than 20 mph.

Additionally, a fire watch, excluding the welder himself, must be posted at the site with pressurized water or a fire extinguisher.
"Most of our activities on Tinker are unaffected and our current procedures are sufficient," Colonel Bleymaier wrote. "However the Fire Department plans to exercise closer scrutiny over welding permits."

Operators who perform welding, cutting torch and grinding activities can be penalized for damages caused by a fire or are liable for the cost of suppressing a fire.

Lastly, outdoor campfires and bonfires are forbidden. Liquid-petroleum gas grills and charcoal fire cooking contained in a grilling receptacle is allowed if the activity is done over a non-flammable surface and at least 5 feet from flammable vegetation.

"The next few months will be very tough as rains this late in the season can actually cause bigger problems with access. Our primary fuels are grasses, which typically don't benefit from late-season rains, and dry out within an hour following a storm," the colonel wrote. "Please ask your folks to be extra, 'extra' cautious with fire, as that is about our only defense at this point."