Situation Update 2
April 1, 2023 – 5:30 p.m.
WILDFIRES IMPACTING STATE
Due to wildfires and high winds across the state yesterday, the State Emergency Operations Center activated remains activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ODEMHS) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas and is coordinating with Oklahoma Forestry Services, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, National Weather Service, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).
A red flag warning remains in effect for Cimarron County until 9 p.m. today and from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. A fire weather watch is in effect for western, central, and northern Oklahoma due to strong winds and low humidity.
FIRE UPDATES
Logan County Emergency Management reports more than 30 homes destroyed in the Simpson Fire. Damage assessments are ongoing. Wildland task forces from Lincoln County and Payne County have provided support today.
Bartlesville/Washington County Emergency Management Reports 7 homes destroyed in the Gap Road Fire. Damage assessments are ongoing. Oklahoma Forestry Services sent a dozer to Washington County today and wildland teams from Tulsa County and Rogers and Mayes counties are also providing support.
Oklahoma City Emergency Management Reports 3 homes destroyed and three homes with minor damage in the Hefner Road Fire.
In other fires reported across the state, 2 occupied homes and 3 vacant homes were destroyed along with numerous barns and outbuildings.
More info is available in the Oklahoma Forestry Services Fire Situation Report.
INJURIES
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 32 injuries related to the fires, fire weather, and high winds were reported by area hospitals.
FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS SECURED
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the state’s request for three Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs): the Simpson Fire in Logan County, the Hefner Road Fire in Oklahoma City, and the Gap Fire in Washington County.
The grants will help reimburse local governments, volunteer fire departments and other first responders for costs associated with responding to the fires. 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.
Fire departments and other agencies that responded to the three fires are advised to document all costs related to equipment and supplies (including fuel), labor costs, travel and per diem, temporary repairs of damage caused by firefighting activities, mobilization, and demobilization. ODEMHS will continue to assess the need for additional federal assistance.
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.
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