Wednesday, Aug. 8, 5:30 p.m.



Due to ongoing fires, the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas. Additionally, OEM is working with the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Forestry Division, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma State Department of Health, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

 

STATEWIDE BURN BAN

A statewide Burn Ban is in effect. This ban, issued by Gov. Mary Fallin on Friday, supersedes all county burn bans currently in place and remains in place until conditions improve and it is removed by the Governor. For a copy of the current burn ban resolution or for the most up-to-date information go to: www.forestry.ok.gov/ burn-ban-information

 

STATE OF EMERGENCY

A State of Emergency remains in place for all 77 Oklahoma counties as declared on July 30 by Gov. Mary Fallin due to extreme or exceptional drought conditions. The Executive Order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness. It is also a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Under the executive order, the State of Emergency lasts for 30 days.

 

FATALITIES

The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner reports 1 fatality attributed to the Norman fire.

 

STATE AND FEDERAL EFFORTS

On Thursday, representatives with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration will join local emergency managers in conducting preliminary damage assessments in Cleveland, Creek, Oklahoma and Payne counties for potential federal disaster assistance. The teams will work to determine the uninsured losses and needs of those whose homes and businesses sustained damage.

 

FIRES

Creek County Emergency Management reports a new fire at Highway 16 between 401 and 403 roads is now contained. Bristow, Shamrock, and Drumright fire departments responded as well as a strike team from Ottawa County and a dozer from State Forestry Services.

 

Elk City Fire Department reports a fire near Elk City on the I-40 access road between mile markers 50 and 52. Fire departments from Elk City, Canute and Foss are responding.  

 

Lincoln County Emergency Management reports a large fire southeast of Stroud has rekindled. Several structures are threatened with at least one destroyed.  A National Guard helicopter is providing water drops.

 

Norman Emergency Management reports Tuesday evening’s fire at Little Axe is in mop up stages.

 

Pittsburg County Emergency Management reports a fire at McAlester Road in the Tannehill area is still active. Another fire at Rockford Road is now out.

 

Two additional fires have been reported in Noble County. Local fire departments are responding.

 

ACRES BURNED

More than 103,200 acres have burned in fires across the state since Friday.

 

Oklahoma Forestry Services reports:

Chouteah Fire – 30 acres

Creek County Fire (Freedom Hills/Mannford area) – 58,232 acres

Cushing Fire – 1,578 acres

Drumright – 6,493 acres

Glencoe Fire – 6,887 acres

Luther Fire – 2,600 acres

Norman/Noble/Slaughterville Fire – 8,913 acres

Pittsburg County Fire – 1,000 acres

Shamrock Fire – 3,990 acres

Stillwater Fire – 1,105 acres

Yale Fire – 2,823 acres

 

Grady County Emergency Management reports 9,600 acres have burned in the Ninnekah fire.

 

MASS CARE

The following American Red Cross Shelters remain open:

Slaughterville Baptist Church – 10101 60th Street, Lexington
Mannford United Methodist – 100 E. Greenwood, Mannford

American Red Cross reports 10 people stayed overnight at the Mannford shelter and 3 people stayed overnight at the Slaughterville shelter.

 

American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and Southern Baptist canteens remain on stand-by for their services as needed to support first responders across the State.

 

Additionally, Southern Baptist Relief will have Ash Out crews in the Mannford area to help residents who need assistance clearing ash and debris from their properties.

 

RESOURCE CENTERS NOW OPEN

Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) remain open at the following locations across the state to allow citizens that have been impacted by the wildfires to receive assistance and information from various agencies including non-profit and faith based organizations.

 

Mannford – Lake Church at 35903 Hwy 51 – Open today until 7 p.m.

New location beginning Thursday: First United Methodist Church – 100 E. Greenwood, Mannford
Hours: 10-7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday

Hours beyond Saturday TBD

 

Glencoe – United Methodist Church at 113 South Perry Avenue

Hours: 10-7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday

 

Noble – Twelve Corners Baptist Church at 15601 East Etowah Road

Hours: 10-6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7 through Saturday, August 18

Hours beyond Saturday TBD

 

WEATHER

Very high to critical fire danger is expected on Thursday as winds increase and relative humidity values decrease across central, northern Oklahoma. Temperatures will again be in the upper 90s to 105 degree range across the state. A cold front is expected in northern Oklahoma on Thursday but this boundary will not reduce wildfire potential as it will be accompanied by strong winds. Lower temperatures are expected Friday through Sunday across the state with mid to upper 90 degree highs. The wildfire danger will continue to be very high Friday and Saturday.  Even though temperatures will cool slightly, relative humidity values will remain low during the afternoon and early evening hours.

 

FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS SECURED

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the state’s request for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) for seven fires that occurred during the last week. The grants will help reimburse local governments, volunteer fire departments and other first responders for costs associated with responding to the fires. FMAGs were secured for the July 30 fire in Stillwater, the August 2 fire in Geary, the August 3 fires in Luther, Noble/Slaughterville and Creek County, and the August 4 fires in Drumright and Glencoe. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of state, local and tribal government eligible firefighting costs for the designated fires.

 

STATE BAR OFFERS FREE LEGAL ADVICE TO WILDFIRE VICTIMS

Oklahoma attorneys are stepping up to help those affected by the recent wildfires. Through a program coordinated by the Oklahoma Bar Association, volunteer attorneys will offer no-cost assistance to Oklahomans who experience legal issues related directly to the fires. The free service begins immediately, and is available to residents of Beckham, Cleveland, Creek, Grady, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Payne and Pittsburg counties. Attorneys volunteering through the program will answer questions about insurance claims, landlord-tenant law, repair contracts, consumer protection, mortgage foreclosure and replacement of vital legal documents that burned. Victims may request help at www.okbar.org/DisasterRelief or call (800) 522-8065 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The services will be available for the next 90 days.

 

DIAL 211

For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact your local 2-1-1. Services are available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 from your home or cellular telephone. Please only call 911 for emergencies.

 

Wednesday, Aug. 8, 10:10 a.m.



According to Ken Garcia, Regional Director of Communications for the American Red Cross, Central and Western Oklahoma Region, here are some highlights to the American Red Cross response to the wild fires as of Wednesday morning:



-Over 28,000 meals, snacks and bottles of water have been served to date.

-Nearly 200 comfort kits have been distributed

-Bulk distribution of rakes, shovels, sifter boxes and dust masks is happening across the affected area as needed. Teams are in the field as well as at the Resource Centers.

 

Two shelters remain open at:



-Mannford, OK NEW LOCATION, PREVIOUSLY LOCATED IN SAND SPRINGS:

First United Methodist Church

100 E. Greenwood Ave.

 

-Lexington – Slaughterville Baptist Church, 10101 60th Street

 

-The Shelter in Cushing is now closed and remains on standby - Cushing Senior Center, 203 E. Cherry

 

We have Resource Centers are open with partner agencies:



-Glencoe - Payne County

United Methodist Church

113 South Perry Avenue, Glencoe, OK

Hours: Tuesday August 7, 12-8

Wed-Fri, 10-7

 

-Noble - Cleveland County

12 Corners Baptist Church

15601 East Etowah Road,

Noble, OK

Wed-Sat 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

 

-Luther – Oklahoma County

Luther Auditorium

18955 NE 178th

Luther, OK

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

-Mannford – Creek County

Lake Church

35903 HWY 51

Mannford , OK

Wed – 12:00 – 7:00 pm

Thurs-Sat 10-7

 

Financial donations to Red Cross: www.redcross.org click "make a donation". Text REDCROSS to 90999 for $10 donation, Call – 1-800-REDCROSS

 

Financial donations allow us to quickly and efficiently meet the needs of people in a disaster because we can purchase the items specifically needed. It would be far more expensive for us to receive donated goods, sort them, warehouse them and transport them. Financial donations are much more cost-effective. And when possible, we purchase needed items in or close to the affected communities, helping to contribute to an area’s financial recovery as well.

 

August 7, 2012 – 9:30 p.m.

 

Due to ongoing fires, the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas. Additionally, OEM is working with the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Forestry Division, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma State Department of Health, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

 

STATEWIDE BURN BAN

A statewide Burn Ban is in effect. This ban, issued by Gov. Mary Fallin on Friday, supersedes all county burn bans currently in place and remains in place until conditions improve and it is removed by the Governor. For a copy of the current burn ban resolution or for the most up-to-date information go to: www.forestry.ok.gov/ burn-ban-information

 

STATE OF EMERGENCY

A State of Emergency remains in place for all 77 Oklahoma counties as declared on July 30 by Gov. Mary Fallin due to extreme or exceptional drought conditions. The Executive Order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness. It is also a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Under the executive order, the State of Emergency lasts for 30 days.

 

FATALITIES

The Oklahoma Medical Examiner reports 1 fatality attributed to the Norman fire.

 

FIRES

Creek County Emergency Management reports the Mannford/Freedom Hills fire is still active in some areas. Fire crews are fighting hot spots through other areas of the fire. State Forestry Services and Bureau of Indian Affairs are still assisting on scene. Ottawa/Delaware County and Craig County strike teams assisted throughout the day as well.

 

Comanche County Emergency Management reports two fires today are now in mop up stages - one on Fort Sill east range the second about 3 miles north of Medicine Park. Suspected cause is lightning strike.

 

Lincoln County Emergency Management reports a wildfire about 6 miles south of Stroud is already in mop up after a sudden rainstorm. Suspected cause is lighting strike.

 

Norman Emergency Management reports a rekindle of the fire near Little Axe earlier this evening. Thunderbird Casino was evacuated and Highway 9 was temporarily closed. The fire is now in mop up after a sudden rainstorm.

 

ACRES BURNED

More than 103,200 acres have burned in fires across the state since Friday.

 

Oklahoma Forestry Services reports:

Chouteah Fire – 30 acres

Creek County Fire (Freedom Hills/Mannford area) – 58,232 acres

Cushing Fire – 1,578 acres

Drumright – 6,493 acres

Glencoe Fire – 6,887 acres

Luther Fire – 2,600 acres

Norman/Noble/Slaughterville Fire – 8,913 acres

Pittsburg County Fire – 1,000 acres

Shamrock Fire – 3,990 acres

Stillwater Fire – 1,105 acres

Yale Fire – 2,823 acres

 

Grady County Emergency Management reports 9,600 acres have burned in the Ninnekah fire.

 

MASS CARE

The following American Red Cross Shelters remain open:

Slaughterville Baptist Church – 10101 60th Street, Lexington
Mannford United Methodist – 100 E. Greenwood, Mannford

American Red Cross reports 7 people stayed overnight at the Sand Springs shelter, which has now been relocated to Mannford, 1 person stayed overnight at the Cushing shelter which is now closed and 6 people stayed overnight at the Slaughterville shelter.

 

The Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) volunteers have been assisting American Red Cross with staffing for shelters in Choctaw, Mannford, and Slaughterville. OKMRC has provided an average of two medical personnel and at least one mental health provider per shift at each shelter.

 

The Salvation Army and Southern Baptist canteens remain on stand-by for their services as needed to support first responders across the State.

Additionally, Southern Baptist Relief will have Ash Out crews in the Mannford area to help residents who need assistance clearing ash and debris from their properties.

 

RESOURCE CENTERS OPENING

Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) are opening at the following locations across the state to allow citizens that have been impacted by the wildfires to receive assistance and information from various agencies including non-profit and faith based organizations.

 

Mannford – Lake Church at 35903 Hwy 51

Hours: 12-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 8; Thursday through Saturday 10-7 p.m.

Hours beyond Saturday TBD

 

Luther – Luther High School auditorium at 178th and Luther Rd

Hours: 8-5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 8

Hours beyond Wednesday TBD

 

Glencoe – United Methodist Church at 113 South Perry Avenue

Hours: 12–8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7; Wednesday through Friday, 10-7 p.m.

 

Noble – Twelve Corners Baptist Church at 15601 East Etowah Road

Hours: 10-6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7 through Saturday, August 18

Hours beyond Saturday TBD

 

WEATHER

A few thunderstorms have been occurring across the state this evening and potential remains for more storms on Wednesday. Rain chances will decrease Thursday into Friday. Temperatures will be in the 100-105 degree range through Friday. A brief decrease in temperature is expected Saturday and Sunday, with highs in the mid to upper 90s. Fire danger will be very high across the state Wednesday through Friday. 


FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS SECURED

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the state’s request for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) for seven fires that occurred during the last week. The grants will help reimburse local governments, volunteer fire departments and other first responders for costs associated with responding to the fires. FMAGs were secured for the July 30 fire in Stillwater, the August 2 fire in Geary, the August 3 fires in Luther, Noble/Slaughterville and Creek County, and the August 4 fires in Drumright and Glencoe. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of state, local and tribal government eligible firefighting costs for the designated fires. Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. OEM will continue to assess the need for additional federal assistance.

 

STATE BAR OFFERS FREE LEGAL ADVICE TO WILDFIRE VICTIMS

Oklahoma attorneys are stepping up to help those affected by the recent wildfires. Through a program coordinated by the Oklahoma Bar Association, volunteer attorneys will offer no-cost assistance to Oklahomans who experience legal issues related directly to the fires. The free service begins immediately, and is available to residents of Beckham, Cleveland, Creek, Grady, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Payne and Pittsburg counties. Attorneys volunteering through the program will answer questions about insurance claims, landlord-tenant law, repair contracts, consumer protection, mortgage foreclosure and replacement of vital legal documents that burned. Victims may request help at www.okbar.org/DisasterRelief or call (800) 522-8065 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The services will be available for the next 90 days

 

DIAL 211

For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact your local 2-1-1. Services are available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 from your home or cellular telephone. Please only call 911 for emergencies.

Monday, 1:15 p.m.

Road Conditions Update –



The following highways are closed due to conditions resulting from fires, smoldering fires or smoke across the road in the area, power lines have also been down on some of these routes. At this time there are no reports of damage to the roadways but crews continue to inspect the closed highways. Drivers are urged to be alert to changing conditions, are advised against driving into smoke and encouraged to tune into local media for updates; we will keep you advised as we receive information. ODOT is also sending tweets via Twitter from @OKDOT.





OPEN:SH-51 between SH-99 and SH-151 in Creek County



Road closings:

Continued closures in Creek County include areas at the SH-33/SH-48 junction:

·        SH-33 is closed between 433rd W. Ave. and 305th W. Ave.

·        SH-48 is closed between 61st St. South and 141st St. South



Drivers can use SH-16, SH-51 and SH-99 as alternate routes.





Out-of-State Road Conditions

Arkansas                800-245-1672  arkansashighways.com

Colorado                303-639-1111  cotrip.org

Kansas                866-511-5368  511.ksdot.org        

Missouri                800-222-6400  modot.org

New Mexico                800-432-4269  nmroads.com

Texas                        800-452-9292  txdot.gov





--www.okladot.state.ok.us--

Monday, 12:45 p.m.

Fire Situation Report – August 6, 2012

Sunday, 7:15 p.m.

Due to ongoing fires, the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas. Additionally, OEM is working with the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Forestry Division, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma State Department of Health, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

 

STATEWIDE BURN BAN

A statewide Burn Ban is in effect. This ban, issued by Gov. Mary Fallin on Friday, supersedes all county burn bans currently in place and remains in place until conditions improve and it is removed by the Governor. For a copy of the current burn ban resolution or for the most up-to-date information go to: www.forestry.ok.gov/ burn-ban-information

 

STATE OF EMERGENCY

A State of Emergency remains in place for all 77 Oklahoma counties as declared Monday by Gov. Mary Fallin due to extreme or exceptional drought conditions. The Executive Order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness. It is also a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Under the executive order, the State of Emergency lasts for 30 days.

 

FIRES

Creek County Emergency Management reports the fire is ongoing. Today, three National Guard helicopters have been assisting on the fire in an area west of Drumright.  The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Medical Unit and ambulances from Mercy Regional of Oklahoma in Owasso and Creek County Emergency Medical Services also assisted on this fire.  As of this morning, at least 58,000 acres had burned in this fire, State Forestry officials announced.

 

Norman Emergency Management reports the fire in the eastern part of Norman near Thunderbird Casino is ongoing. Three National Guard helicopters have been assisting on this fire along with task forces from Caddo, Garvin and Canadian counties. Norman Emergency Response Volunteers and others are provided support.

 

Oklahoma County Emergency Management reports they continue to work hotspots and patrol fire lines on the fire. The Oklahoma County task force assisted earlier today on this fire.

 

Grady County Emergency Management reports firefighters continue to work hotspots and patrol fire lines on the Ninnekah fire.

 

Stillwater Emergency Management reports they continue to monitor hotspots on the fire that began near the Stillwater airport before traveling to Glencoe Saturday night.

 

ACRES BURNED

More than 78,330 acres have burned in fires across the state since Friday.

 

Oklahoma Forestry Services reports:

Noble/Slaughterville Fire – 7,900 acres

Creek County Fire – 58,230 acres

Luther Fire – 2,600 acres

 

Grady County Emergency Management reports 9,600 acres have burned in the Ninnekah fire.

 

MASS CARE

The following American Red Cross Shelters remain open:

Slaughterville Baptist Church – 10101 60th Street, Lexington, OK
Sand Springs United Methodist Family Life Center - 101 W. 38th Street, Sand Springs, OK
Cushing Senior Citizens Center – 203 E. Cherry, Cushing, OK

American Red Cross reports 37 people stayed overnight at the Sand Springs shelter, 33 people stayed overnight at the Cushing shelter and 33 people stayed overnight at the Slaughterville shelter. Additionally, 2 people stayed overnight at the Pawnee shelter that is now closed, and 8 people stayed overnight at the Choctaw shelter, also now closed.

 

Additionally, the American Red Cross continues to provide canteens and volunteers to support firefighters in the affected areas.

 

The Salvation Army continues to respond to multiple wildfire locations. The Salvation Army is serving food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care. Canteens across Oklahoma remain on stand-by for their services as needed in other areas.

 

PET CARE

State Agriculture officials and the Sand Springs Animal Control Unit have teamed up with volunteer veterinarians working in Sand Springs to provide shelter and medical care to animals that have been impacted by wildfires in the area.  Pet Smart Charities has donated food and crates to aid in the disaster response. The shelter is located at Sand Springs United Methodist Church - 101 W. 38th Street, Sand Springs.

 

WEATHER

Drought conditions will continue across the state with little improvement anticipated through the end of August.  The wildfire threat has decreased some, although remains very high.  Hot temperatures will return Monday and Tuesday with highs forecast near or above 100 degrees across much of the state.  The extreme temperatures of the past week are not expected.  Wind speeds will be lower over the next few days as compared to the past week.  The lower wind speeds will help keep the fire threat below the critical range experienced Friday and Saturday.  Short-term relief is expected on Wednesday when temperatures are expected in the mid to upper 90s and the forecast includes the possibility of rain.  However, temperatures return to the 100s by Thursday.

 

WORKING WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY

The Oklahoma Insurance Department recommends taking the following steps after your property has been damaged by a fire:

 

·         When the fire has moved on or been extinguished, call your insurance agent or company claim line as soon as possible.

·         Make a list of your damaged property and make necessary repairs to protect your home and property from further damage.

·         Read your homeowner’s insurance policy carefully to fully understand your coverage and your rights. If you don’t have the policy in hand, ask the agent for a copy.

·         Know if you have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage.

·         Ask your agent about additional living expenses (ALE) or loss of use.

·         Refer to your policy to know what deductible you'll be required you'll be required to pay.

 

For questions about insurance claims or to report insurance fraud, please call the Oklahoma Insurance Department consumer assistance number at 1-800-522-0071 or online at http://oid.ok.gov

 

DIAL 211

For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact your local 2-1-1. Services are available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 from your home or cellular telephone. Please only call 911 for emergencies.

 

Saturday, 4:45 p.m.

Photos added

Saturday, 10 a.m.

Road Conditions Update – ***As of 10 a.m.*** 

The following highways are closed due to conditions resulting from fires in the area. Drivers are urged to be alert to changing conditions, are advised against driving into smoke and encouraged to tune into local media for updates. We are also sending tweets via Twitter from @OKDOT. 

***OPEN: I-35 ramps to eastbound Turner Turnpike/I-44*** 

***OPEN: SH-19 south of Chickasha*** 

Road closings: 

Several highways in Creek County: 

·        SH-33 between SH-48 and SH-99, from Drumright to approx. 11 miles to the east. 

·        SH-51 between SH-48 and SH-99, from two miles west of Mannford to approximately 9 miles to the west. 

·        SH-99 between SH-51 and SH-33, from 9 miles west of Mannford and south six miles. 

·        SH-48 between SH-51 and SH-33, from two miles west of Mannford, south 9 miles. 

·        Suggested alternate routes include SH-48 and SH-16 south of SH-33 and SH-48 and US-64 and SH-99 north of SH-51. 

SH-9 east of Norman currently closed

Both east and westbound lanes of SH-9 are closed between E. 84th Ave. and E. 168th Ave. east of Norman until further notice due to fires. Drivers must locate alternate route or use US-77 and SH-102. 

Out-of-State Road Conditions

Arkansas 800-245-1672  arkansashighways.com 

Colorado 303-639-1111  cotrip.org 

Kansas 866-511-5368  511.ksdot.org         

Missouri 800-222-6400  modot.org 

New Mexico 800-432-4269  nmroads.com 

Texas 800-452-9292  txdot.gov 

5:09 a.m.

Here is the latest information from the Red Cross:

Creek County

• Lincoln County team providing support in Milfay.

• Tulsa Region is supporting shelters in Manford and Bristow.

• Unconfirmed 40 buildings destroyed.

Oklahoma County

• Evacuation site transitioned to shelter for Luther evacuees: Harmony Christian Church, 7100 Choctaw Rd, Choctaw, OK.  Current population is 5

• Water, sports drinks, snacks and meal support continues for responders

• Unconfirmed 36 buildings destroyed

Cleveland County

• Support continues for responders

• Evacuation site transitioned to shelter for Noble evacuees at Slaughterville Baptist Church 10101 60th St, Lexington.  Current Population is 25.

• Unconfirmed 100+ buildings destroyed

Saturday: 12:00 a.m.

State Highway 19, three miles east of U.S. Highway 81 to Alex in Grady County,  was closed from 7 p.m. and was reopened just before midnight on Friday. The road was closed fpr four hours and 55 minutes.

9:15 p.m.

Due to high fire danger across the state, the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas. Additionally, OEM is working with the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Forestry Division, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma State Department of Health, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

 

STATEWIDE BURN BAN

A statewide Burn Ban was issued today by Gov. Mary Fallin. This ban supersedes all county burn bans currently in place and remains in place until conditions improve and it is removed by the Governor. For a copy of the current burn ban resolution or for the most up-to-date information go to: www.forestry.ok.gov/ burn-ban-information

 

STATE OF EMERGENCY

A State of Emergency remains in place for all 77 Oklahoma counties as declared Monday by Gov. Mary Fallin due to extreme or exceptional drought conditions. The Executive Order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness. It is also a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Under the executive order, the state of emergency lasts for 30 days.

 

FIRES

Luther, Oklahoma County – the fire in Luther continues to burn. State Forestry remains on the scene with ground firefighting equipment. Johnston County is providing resources as well. The fire has jumped the Turner Turnpike, which is still closed from Oklahoma City to Wellston according to Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

 

Mannford, Creek County -- Bureau of Indian Affairs and National Guard helicopters have been assisting throughout the day with water drops. Early reports from Creek County Emergency Management indicate as many as 40 structures have been destroyed.

 

Ninnekah, Grady County – Grady County Emergency Management reports a fire south of Ninnekah. State Forestry is responding with ground firefighting support. Numerous homes have been evacuated. Oklahoma Highway Patrol is assisting with evacuations.

 

Noble/Slaughterville, Cleveland County -- Noble Emergency Management reports the fire that started at 132nd and McGuire Road continues to burn. Numerous homes have been evacuated. Early reports indicate as many as 25 structures have been destroyed. Two National Guard helicopters have been assisting. Numerous surrounding fire departments are providing mutual aid, including task forces from Garvin, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties.

 

Additional fires have been reported in Lincoln, Logan and Muskogee counties as well as Elk City in Roger Mills County, Ft. Cobb in Caddo County, Geary in Blaine County, Preston in Okmulgee County and Wewoka in Seminole County.

 

RESOURCE REQUESTS

OEM has been working in conjunction with State Forestry officials to deploy Oklahoma National Guard helicopters for aerial fire support. Oklahoma Forestry Division is providing ground firefighting support and has been working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs for additional aerial fire support. Water drops have been provided today on fires in Cleveland and Creek counties.

 

MASS CARE

American Red Cross has opened the following evacuation shelters:
Noble City Hall, 304 S. Main Street in Noble, OK
Harmony Christian Church, 7100 S. Choctaw Road in Choctaw, OK

 American Red Cross shelters are open at the following locations for those who have been impacted by the fires:
First Baptist Church – 105 Greenwood Avenue, Mannford, OK
First Baptist Church – 226 East 6th Avenue, Bristow, OK

Additionally, American Red Cross and The Salvation Army are providing canteens and volunteers to support firefighters in the affected areas.



 

7:10 p.m.

SH19 3 miles East of US81 to Alex is shut down due  to a large grass fire.
We have asked that only emergency vehicles be in the area. KOOL 105 radio
station has been advised of this information and is broadcasting it on the
radio. Will advise when the roadway is back open.

5.32 p.m.

Due to high fire danger across the state, the State Emergency Operations Center is at Level Two activation today. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas. Additionally, OEM is working with the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Forestry Division, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

 

STATEWIDE BURN BAN

A statewide Burn Ban was issued today by Gov. Mary Fallin. This ban supersedes all county burn bans currently in place and remains in place until conditions improve and it is removed by the Governor. For a copy of the current burn ban resolution or for the most up-to-date information go to: www.forestry.ok.gov/ burn-ban-information

 

STATE OF EMERGENCY

A State of Emergency remains in place for all 77 Oklahoma counties as declared Monday by Gov. Mary Fallin due to extreme or exceptional drought conditions. The Executive Order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness. It is also a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Under the executive order, the state of emergency lasts for 30 days.

 

FIRES

Creek County – A fire continues to burn in Creek County near the Highway 33/Highway 48 Junction. A National Guard helicopter and Bureau of Indian Affairs Helicopter are still responding.

 

Geary, Blaine County -- Several fire task forces continue to assist on this fire. Two structures have been destroyed but no additional damage has been reported.

 

Mannford, Creek County -- Bureau of Indian Affairs and National Guard helicopters are assisting as well as several surrounding fire departments. Structures are no longer threatened.

 

Ninnekah, Grady County – Grady County Emergency Management reports a fire south of Ninnekah. Approximately numerous homes are threatened and evacuations are underway. Oklahoma Highway Patrol is assisting with evacuations.

 

Noble/Slaughterville, Cleveland County -- Noble Emergency Management reports the fire that started at 132nd and McGuire Road is threatening 75 to 100 homes. Evacuations are underway in the affected area. Early reports indicate as many as 25 homes have been destroyed. Two National Guard helicopters are assisting. Evacuation area is bound by. The American Red Cross is operating a shelter/evacuation center at Noble City Hall 304 S. Main Street in Noble. Numerous surrounding fire departments are providing mutual aid, including task forces from Garvin, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties.

 

Oklahoma County Emergency Management reports a fire at NE 150th Street and Luther Road. This fire is in a rural area, however there are some homes threatened. State Forestry is responding with ground firefighting support. Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports the Turner Turnpike is closed from Oklahoma City to Wellston due to this fire.


Additional fires have been reported in Lincoln and Muskogee counties as well as Elk City in Roger Mills County, Ft. Cobb in Caddo County and Preston in Okmulgee County.

 

RESOURCE REQUESTS

OEM is working in conjunction with State Forestry officials to deploy Oklahoma National Guard helicopters for aerial fire support. Oklahoma Forestry Division is providing ground firefighting support and is working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs for additional aerial fire support. Water drops are being provided today on fires in Cleveland and Creek counties.

 

MASS CARE

American Red Cross has opened an evacuation center at Noble City Hall, 304 S. Main Street in Noble, OK.

Additionally, American Red Cross and The Salvation Army is providing canteens and volunteers to support firefighters in the affected areas.

 

STAY SAFE

Wildfires are often caused by human activity. High winds and dry conditions can set the stage for potentially severe fires. The greatest single cause is when burning debris is not properly contained and sparks or burning trash blow into the air. Oklahomans can help prevent fires if they:

·         Be careful when pulling off a road or driving into a field. Hot catalytic converters can ignite vegetation.

·         Avoid burning trash. Even a barrel covered with a screen can allow a spark to escape, igniting nearby vegetation.

·         Do not use fireworks during holidays.

·         If you smoke in your car, extinguish cigarettes in vehicle ashtrays. Never toss a cigarette out of a car window, and don’t put cigarettes out on the ground.

·         Keep a fire extinguisher and water handy when working outdoors with equipment that gets hot, or involves sparks, such as welding equipment. Water down outdoor work areas in advance if possible.

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Choose a route away from the fire hazard and be alert to changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

When weather conditions make wildfires more likely in your area, prepare by taking the following precautions:

·         Keep firefighting tools handy, such as: ladder long enough to reach the roof, shovel, rake and buckets.

·         Place connected garden hoses on all sides of the house for emergency use.

·         Know all emergency exits from your house.

·         Learn all routes leading out of your neighborhood.

As fires actually approach, take the following actions:

·         Park your car facing the direction of escape.

·         Shut off gas at the meter. Only a qualified professional can safely turn the gas back on.

·         Turn off propane tanks.

·         Place combustible patio furniture inside.

For more information about wildfire safety, visit the following websites:

·         Oklahoma Firewise

·         Oklahoma Forestry Services