Rain Prospects Could Help Oklahoma Wildfire Fight
Wildfire danger remains despite possible Oklahoma rainfall
The prospects of rain in Oklahoma in the next few days could be a great assistance in quelching some of the still-burning wildfires—those in the Panhandle where nearly 300,000 acres were left darkened and those in the northeastern part of the state.
Despite the chance of rain, firefighters know it’s a roll of the dice.
“Fire weather continues to be elevated through Saturday for most of Oklahoma ahead of a pattern change that offers multiple storm systems and promise of rainfall. The Panhandle and western counties hold a wildfire concern in the forefront through the weekend noting potential for lightning ignitions,” stated the Oklahoma Forestry Division in a Thursday statement.
Large wildfire activity continues across Oklahoma
Large/Significant Fire Activity:
• Turkey Creek Fire (Creek County) – 250.0 (est) / 40% Contained
• Nofire Hollow (Cherokee County) – 352 Acres / 80% Contained
• Devil’s Backbone Fire (Pushmataha County) – 392 Acres / 60% Contained
• Red Oak Peak Fire (Latimer County) – 204 Acres / 75% Contained
• Dead Frog Fire (Pushmataha County) – 177 Acres / 80% Contained
• Blue Hog Fire (Latimer County) – 340 Acres / 80% Contained
• Box Springs Road Fire (Pushmataha County) – 905 Acres / 40% Contained
• Turtle Shell Fire (Atoka County) – 154 Acres / 75% Contained
The Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture said dry conditions “across the state hold enhanced concern for higher-volume initial attack activity and large fire probability increases.”
Fire weather outlook and lightning risks
It’s out look for the approaching weekend stated: Elevated fire weather Friday and Saturday continues to track in the forecast and Saturday will introduce lightning ignition potential as a cold front approaches the area. Shower/thunderstorm potential develops later Saturday across the eastern half of Oklahoma generally with higher probabilities Sunday. Better chances of rainfall for western Oklahoma develop next week and the 5-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast captures the expectation into mid-week.
Drought conditions still impacting wildfire response
Oklahoma Climatologist Gary McManus was hopeful about rain prospects.
“The rain totals are still iffy, but we could see 1-3 inches across several areas of the state. Keep in mind these forecasts look like a blanket of uniform rainfall, but with the convective nature of the possible storms, there’ll be some hitting and missing, of course.”
McManus said the latest Drought Monitor shows that 91% of Oklahoma is now considered to be in a ‘moderate drought” which is the most since November 2022.
Oklahoma Forestry Service mobilization and readiness
Here is where the Oklahoma Forestry Service has equipment and personnel ready in the event of another major wildfire day.
OFS Mobilization:
Guymon – Suppression Group (Engines / Dozers / Overhead)
Woodward – Suppression Group (Engines / Dozers / Overhead)
Weatherford – Task Force (Engines / Dozers / Overhead)
Lawton – Task Force (Engines / Dozers / Overhead)
Okmulgee – Taks Force (Engines / Dozers / Overhead)
Tahlequah – National Guard Module
Talihina – National Guard Module
Resources also available from Eastern OFS Areas
As temperatures warm and fire weather conditions fluctuate, state responders continue coordinating suppression resources and monitoring potential ignition risks tied to drought, wind patterns, and lightning across Oklahoma.