Rainfall has been scarce in Central Oklahoma since the beginning of June and it’s starting to show.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows severe and extreme drought covering much of McClain County.

After receiving 36.56” of rain in the first half of this year, Purcell has only received 7.1” in the second half.

The last rain in Purcell was on November 24 and current conditions are ripe for grass fires.

McClain County is not currently under a burn ban, but it is something that County Commissioners are keeping an eye on.

“We don’t quite meet all the criteria,” said McClain County Commissioner Wilson Lyles. “We visited about it at Monday’s meeting and it will probably be on next Monday’s agenda.”

McClain County Emergency Management is encouraging citizens not to burn under the current conditions.

“Even though we’re not in a burn ban, conditions are extreme,” Lyles said. “So be cautious with any outside burning, grilling or welding.”