Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
Situation Update 2
March 23, 2016 – 4:30 pm

Due to high fire danger and ongoing wildfires across the state, the State Emergency Operations Center is activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas and is coordinating with Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Forestry Services Division, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, National Weather Service, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

A Red Flag Fire Warning remains in effect for a large part of Oklahoma until 9 p.m. Outdoor burning and other activities that could spark a fire are strongly discouraged. Do not throw cigarettes out car windows. Report any suspicious smoke or fires to your local law enforcement or fire authority.

The following fires have been reported to the State Emergency Operations Center:

Woods County Emergency Management reports the Anderson Creek fire southwest of Alva fire continues to burn. Task forces from numerous counties are responding. Oklahoma Forestry Services reports CL-415 Air Support is responding. An estimated 70,000 acres have already burned. OEM remains in contact with Kansas State Emergency Management regarding this fire.

Blaine County and Custer County Emergency Management reports a fire east of Thomas continues to rekindle.

Okmulgee County Emergency Management reports a fire in the northeast area of the county is now in mop up. A new wildfire is reported at S230 and Connifer Road.

LeFlore County Emergency Management reports a fire at South Highway 259 and Highway 59 intersection. Forestry has dozers and personnel at the scene cutting fire breaks.

Additional fires have been reported in Creek, Custer, Kay, Lincoln, Logan, Major, Pittsburg, and Roger Mills counties

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