Updated

Updated · KOKH FOX25 · Aug 14

State Extends Heat Advisories to Sunday as Heat Index Nears 110 and 12 Counties Stay Under Burn Bans

Updated

Updated · KOKH FOX25 · Aug 14

State Extends Heat Advisories to Sunday as Heat Index Nears 110 and 12 Counties Stay Under Burn Bans

Q: As gusty winds and severe drought merge, what unexpected hazards could instantly ignite the elevated fire risk zones?

The most immediate “unexpected” ignition threats are dry lightning, downed or arcing power lines, and sparks from machinery or discarded smoking materials. In the kind of hot, drought-stricken pattern described in the forecast, lightning from isolated storms can be especially dangerous if it brings little rain. Fire agencies often warn that dry lightning can start new fires instantly in cured grass, brush, and timber litter, even when storms look minor on radar. Gusty winds also raise the risk from electrical infrastructure. If winds damage or slap power lines together, they can arc or throw sparks into extremely dry vegetation. Similar conditions elsewhere have led to wind-driven fires involving burning power poles and nearby brush. Human-caused sparks become more dangerous in severe drought. Farm and roadside equipment can ignite fires through overheated bearings, exhaust systems, dragging chains, exposed wiring, or metal striking rock. Welding, grilling, campfires, and burn piles are also higher-risk in these conditions, which is why burn bans matter. Even small, easily overlooked sources can start fires fast. Fire officials repeatedly warn that cigarettes that appear out can still smolder and ignite mulch, grass, or brush. Hot vehicle exhaust parked over dry grass can do the same. With temperatures in the 100s, low humidity, drought, and south winds all in place, almost any spark source can trigger rapid fire spread in the elevated risk zones.

3 articles · Updated · KOKH FOX25 · Aug 14

Heat advisories now run until 7 p.m. Sunday across the viewing area, while northern parts of the state remain under extreme heat warnings until 7 p.m. Friday.
Temperatures are expected to stay in the 100s through the weekend, pushing the heat index near 110 after the state has already logged 18 triple-digit days in 2026.
Elevated fire risk covers the western half of the state Friday and is expected to persist through the weekend because of drought, low humidity, gusty south winds and strong sunshine.
Twelve of the state's 77 counties already have active burn bans, with forecasters expecting mostly dry weather through Sunday aside from a possible isolated evening storm.