SITUATION UPDATE

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 1

March 3 – 6:30 p.m.

Due to high fire danger and wildfires across the state today, 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, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, National Weather Service, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Fire Warning for a large part of Oklahoma until 8 p.m. today and from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday. Temperatures in the 60s along with winds gusting to 40 mph and low relative humidity values are creating dangerous fire conditions.

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.

One National Guard helicopter provided water drops on a fire in Byron and two National Guard helicopters provided water drops on a fire in Norman.

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division is responding in Norman to assist with large animal transportation.

Oklahoma Forestry Services Division task forces supported the Norman fire by constructing containment lines and directing the National Guard helicopter from the ground. OFS also supported the Atoka fire with one dozer and personnel.

Department of Public Safety provided a fixed wing aircraft for aerial assessment.

At least 24 fires have been reported to the State Emergency Operations Center from the following counties:

• Atoka
• Alfalfa
• Beaver
• Choctaw
• Cleveland
• Creek
• Garvin
• Grady
• Haskell
• Lincoln
• McClain
• Muskogee
• Noble
• Nowata
• Okfuskee

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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