Red Flag fire warning, burn bans in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Grassfires were reported in Oklahoma and a Red Flag fire warning was issued for about half of the state by the National Weather Service because of low humidity, warm temperatures and strong winds in the region.

Four counties also issued burn bans.

The Red Flag warning covers the entire northwestern half of Oklahoma and extends into east-central areas of the state.

Grassfires were reported in central and northeastern Oklahoma Saturday afternoon. No injuries were reported, but the Oklahoma Highway Patrol shut down State Highway 20 west of Skiatook for about an hour and 45 minutes Saturday because of smoke blowing across the roadway from a fire before reopening the roadway shortly before 6 p.m.

Burn bans are in effect in Canadian, Cotton, Pittsburg and Stephens counties because of the conditions.