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: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta