With relentless days of temperatures over the century mark and no rainfall, McClain County was officially added to the growing list of Oklahoma counties under a burn ban.

The burn ban was officially adopted by the county commissioners at their regular weekly meeting Monday at the courthouse.

Citing extreme fire danger, the board makes it unlawful for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, range, crop or other wild lands or to build a campfire or bonfire or burn any trash or other material that may cause a range fire.

Anyone caught doing so shall be guilty of a misdemeanor facing a $500 fine or a year in the county jail or both.

Exceptions include using equipment related to road construction projects.

Welding or cutting torch activities are also permitted when conducted over a noncombustible material.

Outdoor campfires or bonfires will be strictly prohibited.

LPG and natural gas grills and charcoal-fired cooking outside in a grill receptacle are permitted provided the activity is conducted over a nonflammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation.

Gas vents and flares associated with the extraction of oil and gas are generally considered exempt as long as the top of the vent pipe is raised well above surrounding vegetation.

The burn ban will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of an extension if conditions persist.