Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 2

August 3, 2012 – 8:30 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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Next Situation Update: As conditions warrant