Due to ongoing fires, the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas. Additionally, OEM is working with the Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Forestry Division, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, Oklahoma State Department of Health, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
A statewide Burn Ban is in effect. This ban, issued by Gov. Mary Fallin on Friday, supersedes all county burn bans currently in place and remains in place until conditions improve and it is removed by the Governor. For a copy of the current burn ban resolution or for the most up-to-date information go to: www.forestry.ok.gov/ burn-ban-information
A State of Emergency remains in place for all 77 Oklahoma counties as declared on July 30 by Gov. Mary Fallin due to extreme or exceptional drought conditions. The Executive Order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness. It is also a first step toward seeking federal assistance should it be necessary. Under the executive order, the State of Emergency lasts for 30 days.
The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner reports 1 fatality attributed to the Norman fire.
FIRES
Lincoln County Emergency Management reports a fire at the intersection of 3350 and 959 Roads is now in mop up stages. A National Guard Helicopter provided water drops to assist.
Pernell Fire Department reports an 800-acre fire in Garvin County between Lindsay and Elmore City. A National Guard Helicopter is providing water drops.
Pittsburg County Emergency Management reports two large grass fires: one east of Krebs and the other near Gaines Creek. Oklahoma Forestry Services is responding to the Gaines Creek fire with a bull dozer and a type 6 engine.
ACRES BURNED
Oklahoma Forestry Services reports nearly 114,000 acres have burned in fires across the state since July 28, to include:
Caddo County Fire – 3,000 acres
Creek County Fire (Freedom Hills/Mannford) – 58,500 acres
Cushing Fire – 1,628 acres
Drumright – 6,493 acres
Glencoe Fire – 6,887 acres
Luther Fire – 2,621 acres
Ninnekah Fire – 6,500 acres
Norman/Noble/Slaughterville Fire – 8,928 acres
Pittsburg County/Lick Creek Fire – 3,000 acres
Shamrock Fire – 3,990 acres
Yale Fire – 3,500 acres
MASS CARE
The following American Red Cross Shelters remain open:
Mannford United Methodist – 100 E. Greenwood, Mannford
American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and Southern Baptist canteens remain on stand-by for their services as needed to support first responders across the State.
Additionally, Southern Baptist Relief will have Ash Out crews in the Mannford/Freedom Hills area and Cleveland County areas to help residents who need assistance clearing ash and debris from their properties.
RESOURCE CENTERS NOW OPEN
Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) remain open at the following locations across the state to allow citizens that have been impacted by the wildfires to receive assistance and information from various agencies including non-profit and faith based organizations.
Mannford – First United Methodist Church – 100 E. Greenwood, Mannford
Hours: Noon-7 p.m. through Sunday
Glencoe – United Methodist Church at 113 South Perry Avenue
Hours: 10-7 p.m. through Friday
Noble – Twelve Corners Baptist Church at 15601 East Etowah Road
Hours: 10-6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7 through Saturday, August 18
FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS SECURED
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the state’s request for Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) for seven fires that occurred since July 30. The grants will help reimburse local governments, volunteer fire departments and other first responders for costs associated with responding to the fires. FMAGs were secured for the July 30 fire in Stillwater, the August 2 fire in Geary, the August 3 fires in Luther, Noble/Slaughterville and Creek County, and the August 4 fires in Drumright and Glencoe. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of state, local and tribal government eligible firefighting costs for the designated fires. Eligible firefighting costs covered by the aid must first meet a minimum threshold for costs before assistance is provided.
PRECAUTIONS URGED FOR THOSE WITH RESPIRATORY DIFFICULTY
The Oklahoma State Department of Health warns that people with respiratory difficulty, such as asthma, should take the following precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by:
Reducing the amount of time spent outdoors. This can usually provide some protection, especially in a tightly closed, air-conditioned house in which the air-conditioner can be set to re-circulate air instead of bringing in outdoor air. Staying inside with the doors and windows closed can usually reduce exposure.
Reducing the amount of time engaged in vigorous outdoor physical activity. This can be an important and effective strategy to lower the dose of inhaled air pollutants and minimize health risks during a smoke event.
Reducing other sources of indoor air pollution. Many indoor sources of air pollution can emit large amounts of the same pollutants present in wildfire smoke. Indoor sources such as burning cigarettes, gas, propane and wood-burning stoves and furnaces, and activities such as cooking, burning candles and incense, and vacuuming can greatly increase the particle levels in a home and should be avoided during high pollution or when wildfire smoke is present.
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.
