While western Oklahoma remains under a Red Flag Alert for wildfires, three firefighters are recovering from injuries suffered in a recent fire north of the Blaine County town of Hitchcock.
Social media reports indicated two firefighters from Okeene were injured in fighting the out of control fire. One suffered burns and was transported to a burn center in Oklahoma City and the other suffered a neck injury while operating in rough terrain.
A firefighter from Loyal experienced smoke inhalation followed by a heart attack and was airlifted to an Oklahoma City hospital by an Air Evac helicopter.
Fire crews from Blaine, Kingfisher, Major and Logan Counties helped battle the blaze that was swept by 30 mile an hour winds. The Oklahoma Forestry Services department was also on hand and with the help of Blaine County officials, used heavy equipment to cut fire breaks.
One report indicated the fire burned several miles of land and was so large it was visible on satellite imagery.
As of Saturday, the fire was 70% under control, according to the Forestry Services department.
Fires w/OFS Resources Engaged out of Initial Attack Area: No New Activity
Large/Significant Fire Activity: (>100 Acres Timber or >300 Acres Grass/Brush)
• Cedar Canyon Fire (Blaine County) – 620 Acres / 70% Contained
• Shady Grove Fire (Cherokee County – 600 Acres / 80% Contained
• Big Toe Fire (Pittsburg County) – 1,208 Acres / 90% Contained
• Coleman Hollow Fire (Mayes County) – 104 Acres / 65% Contained
• Buffalo Pasture Fire (Adair County) – 406 Acres / 75% Contained
• Iron Post Fire (Cherokee County) – 1,304 Acres / 50% Contained
• Old Kentucky Fire (Sequoyah County) – 712 Acres / 75% Contained
• Sonny Gile Fire (Adair County) – 1,217 Acres / 70% Contained
Large/Significant Fire Activity: (>100 Acres Timber or >300 Acres Grass/Brush)
• Cedar Canyon Fire (Blaine County) – 620 Acres / 70% Contained
• Shady Grove Fire (Cherokee County – 600 Acres / 80% Contained
• Big Toe Fire (Pittsburg County) – 1,208 Acres / 90% Contained
• Coleman Hollow Fire (Mayes County) – 104 Acres / 65% Contained
• Buffalo Pasture Fire (Adair County) – 406 Acres / 75% Contained
• Iron Post Fire (Cherokee County) – 1,304 Acres / 50% Contained
• Old Kentucky Fire (Sequoyah County) – 712 Acres / 75% Contained
• Sonny Gile Fire (Adair County) – 1,217 Acres / 70% Contained
The state agency also indicated that any rainfall recorded on Friday would “have little effect on composite fuel moisture.” It stated there would continue to be an “intensive drying” of fuels and increasing potential for new fire occurrence.
The Service also said things won’t get much better for western Oklahoma in the coming week, despite the forecast possibility of some rainfall.
“While some rain chances enter the forecast next week,
there will be repetitive dryline intrusions meaning enhanced fire
weather west of the dryline across much of western and central
Oklahoma. Rain chances will be focused east of the dryline
presenting a dual threat for wildfires west and rain/storms east.
Rainfall with mitigating amounts is not overly favorable at this
time in western Oklahoma and relegated to far eastern
Oklahoma following a cold front on Tuesday.”
there will be repetitive dryline intrusions meaning enhanced fire
weather west of the dryline across much of western and central
Oklahoma. Rain chances will be focused east of the dryline
presenting a dual threat for wildfires west and rain/storms east.
Rainfall with mitigating amounts is not overly favorable at this
time in western Oklahoma and relegated to far eastern
Oklahoma following a cold front on Tuesday.”