OK HB2579

Modifies the definition of "extreme fire danger" under Oklahoma law (2 O.S. 2011, Section 16-26) to include three new criteria: moderate to extreme drought conditions, precipitation forecasts of no more than one-half inch in three days, and likelihood of unsuccessful fire suppression efforts due to extreme fire behavior.

Requires county commissioners to obtain documented concurrence from a majority of municipal and certified rural fire department chiefs before declaring a burn ban, with resolutions effective for up to 30 days and renewable if conditions persist.

Allows county commissioners to grant exceptions to fire prohibitions based on appropriate precautionary measures and requires notice to be submitted to the Forestry Division, local news media, law enforcement, and relevant state agencies.

Maintains existing penalties of fines up to $500 and imprisonment up to one year for violations of county-level burn bans, while keeping separate penalties for gubernatorial drought emergencies (up to $1,000 fine or one year imprisonment).

Becomes effective November 1, 2012.