Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) extended the emergency burn permit to October 4th. There will not be another extension for emergency burning.
The original burn permit was due to end on August 4th at the County Barn behind Seminole Animal Shelter (1200 Montgomery Road). Limbs and wood are the only thing that can be burned there.
"We want to express our sincere gratitude to County Commissioner Tim Porter and his team for partnering with us for disaster relief. He called us the night after the storm to offer assistance and has been essential to Seminole’s improvement,” said Public Works Director Bryant Baker.
The County Barn is open 7am-3:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Since the first storm hit on May 2, residents and volunteers have collected and disposed of more than 50,000 cubic yards of tree debris. That is equivalent to 16,500 pickup loads of debris in a 3 month period. The City of Seminole organized Community Volunteer Days over the summer to help remove limbs from personal properties. There were over 100 volunteers and over 200 hauls combined for the two organized days.
“Code enforcement is working on finding the middle ground between limbs/trees that are still on the ground and the tall weeds and grass that are housing rodents and pests,” said Community Development Director Sharon Emmitt.
“We are thankful for all the volunteers who have contributed to Seminole’s disaster relief. Because of them, we have made progress in the recovery. As time continues, volunteer numbers dwindle. It is crucial for Seminole’s restoration that capable citizens help themselves and their neighbors,” said City Manager Steve Saxon.