HB 1868 Summary

• Amends 2 O.S. 2011, Section 16-26 regarding emergency drought conditions and fire prohibitions

• Modifies the definition of "extreme fire danger" to include four conditions: (a) moderate, severe or extreme drought per NOAA criteria, (b) no significant precipitation forecast for next 3 days, (c) fire occurrence significantly greater than normal or unsuccessful initial attack on wildfires, or (d) more than 20% of county wildfires caused by escaped debris or controlled burning

• Allows county boards of commissioners to declare extreme fire danger periods (up to 30 days) with documented concurrence from majority of municipal and certified rural fire department chiefs

• Violations remain misdemeanor offenses punishable by fines up to $500 and/or imprisonment up to one year

• Effective date: November 1, 2013