Northwest Range Fire Management Association, Inc

04/02/2026

Annual Meeting.
Wednesday, May 20. Meal at 6:30, speaker at 7. Business meeting to following
Vici Community Center.

03/21/2026

03/19/2026

🔥 Controlled Burns in Dewey County 🔥
CALL THEM IN TO DISPATCH PLEASE

We currently have controlled burns taking place in the county and will update throughout the day as needed.

📍 Reported Burns:
• Near Leedey – 4 miles east (34/47 area)
• South of Oakwood – NS 2400 / E805
There are two others near Oakwood

If you are planning a controlled burn, please call it in so we can track activity and avoid unnecessary responses.

If you see smoke and are unsure if it’s a controlled burn, call it in to dispatch.

As always, use caution with current conditions and monitor your burn at all times.

02/17/2026

01/24/2026

Brush Piles are NOT Safest to Burn After Winter Rain/Snow

Recommended Burning Conditions (Most common in MAY/JUNE)
- Wind Speeds: below 15 mph
- Relative Humidity: above 40%
- Pasture is Green: slow to ignite

Weather conditions can change quickly during winter.
8 hour Weather Changes - January 8th, 2026
Wind Speed
- 7:00 am | 0-15 mph in most locations (Burn conditions met)
- 3:00 pm | 16-30 mph in most locations (Conditions NOT met)
Relative Humidity
- 7:00 am | above 72% (Burn conditions met)
- 3:00 pm | below 40% in many locations (Conditions NOT met)

Dry dormant grasses can carry escaped fire.
- Brush Piles: Dry & burn slowly (days-weeks)
- Dormant Grasses: Dry & burn quickly (hours)

Fire Suppression Equipment: Freezing conditions can cause equipment failure

12/13/2025

Saturday at noon

11/06/2025

Now is a good time to start prepping fire breaks for your early spring prescribed burns!

Not All Firebreaks are the Same

GOOD FIREBREAKS
Bare Ground: Dozed, bladed or disked
Exiting Road: County, ranch, lease roads
Mowed Line: Mowed months beofre & wet-lined at burn
Crop Field: Green or cultivated
Waterbody: Creek, stream, river, lake

BAD FIREBREAKS
Narrow Mowed Line: Fire can creep, flames may reach across
Mowed Just Before Burn OR Tall Stubble Height: Piled thatch & standing vegetation

BETTER FIREBREAKS = SAFER BURNS
Prepare in Advance: months to weeks before ideal burn day
Wider is Better: 10 ft minimum, allow room for vehicles passing

Check out the Firebreaks for Prescribed Burning Factsheet!
https://bit.ly/OSUFirebreaks