Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 5

August 6, 2012 – 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.

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.

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.

The Mannford/Freedom Hills fire continues to burn. A National Guard helicopter is en route to assist with water drops. Sand Springs, Tulsa and Wagoner County has sent ground firefighting resources.

A fire in Yale that began Sunday evening continues to burn. A National Guard helicopter is responding with water drops.

Okmulgee County Emergency Management reports four fires burning including one near Nuyaka and one near Morris. Bureau of Indian Affairs and Oklahoma Fish and Wildlife assisted as well as the City of Okmulgee.

Pawnee County Emergency Management reports two fires burning – one south of Cleveland on Airport Road and the other four miles west of Jennings.

Norman Emergency Management reports the fire in Norman is contained with units roaming for hot spots.

Additional fires have been reported today near Cushing, in Pittsburg County and in Beckham County.

More than 93,400 acres have burned in fires across the state since Friday.

Oklahoma Forestry Services reports:

• Creek County Fire (Freedom Hills/Mannford area) – 58,500 acres
• Cushing Fire – 1,578 acres
• Drumright – 6,493 acres
• Luther Fire – 2,600 acres
• Norman/Noble/Slaughterville Fire – 7,900 acres
• Shamrock Fire – 3,990 acres
• Yale Fire – 2,823 acres

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

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.

The following American Red Cross Shelters remain open:

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

American Red Cross reports 19 people stayed overnight at the Sand Springs shelter, 6 people stayed overnight at the Cushing shelter and 6 people stayed overnight at the Slaughterville shelter.

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

The Salvation Army and Southern Baptist continue to respond to multiple wildfire locations. Both organizations are continuing to serve food, provide hydration and provide emotional and spiritual care. Canteens across Oklahoma remain on stand-by for their services as needed in other areas.

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.

Hot and generally dry conditions will continue much of the week. Temperatures will be in the upper 90s to 104F the next several days with some isolated rain chances today through Wednesday. Fire weather concerns will be present across parts of the state through Saturday as ongoing drought conditions combine with strong winds to create a dangerous wildfire risk.

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.

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Next Situation Update: As conditions warrant