Okmulgee, Okfuskee and Creek counties are part of a 52-county state of emergency issued by Gov. Mary Fallin Friday.
In her declaration, she said the emergency was called due to wildfires that began Thursday, April 12, and ongoing drought conditions.
More than 200,000 acres have burned across the state since Thursday, including large fires in Woodward and Dewey counties that have prompted numerous evacuations.
Under the governor’s executive order, state agencies may make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. The declaration also marks a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary.
The governor’s burn ban remains in effect for 16 counties: Beaver, Beckham, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, Texas, Washita, Woods, and Woodward.
That ban makes it unlawful for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands, or marshes; to build a bonfire or fire; to burn or ignite fireworks; or to burn trash or other materials outdoors in any of the listed counties.
Additional county burn bans are in place for the following counties: Alfalfa, Canadian, Grant, and Major.