Western Oklahoma Braces For Extreme Fire Danger As Environmental Conditions Raise Alarm

 

A number of fires are on-going in Oklahoma this afternoon and extreme fire weather conditions are forecast again tomorrow across western Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma Panhandle. High temperatures and dry fuels coupled with gusty winds will result in an extremely dangerous fire weather situation for all counties west of Interstate 35. Elevated to potentially critical fire weather will be present in areas of northern Oklahoma as well generally west of Highway 75.

 

Any fire that occurs given the current forecast conditions has the potential to spread rapidly and could result in large fires. Citizens are urged to be vigilant with outdoor activities and are asked to report any suspicious smoke or fire to their closest fire department or by calling 911. 

 

Homeowners can also make their home more defensible by moving trash, debris and other flammable items like firewood piles or portable propane tanks a safe distance away from their home.

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.