Wildfires continue to spread in western Oklahoma

Warm, windy and dry weather continues to plague western Oklahoma, feeding wildfires that have scorched hundreds of thousands of acres, destroyed dozens of homes and left at least two people dead.

A red flag fire warning was again issued Wednesday for more than a dozen counties in western Oklahoma, where wind gusts blew above 45 mph and relative humidity levels hovered in the mid-teens throughout the afternoon.

In Dewey County, which has seen the highest level of devastation in recent days, the Rhea Fire burned an additional 34,515 acres since burn totals were released Tuesday evening, Oklahoma Forestry Services officials said.

Estimated at more than 283,000 acres burned, the land area charred equates to about 442 square miles, or more than double the land area of Tulsa. The fire is reported to be 3 percent contained.

Flare-ups Tuesday and Wednesday led to highway closures and community evacuation notices. Hundreds of firefighters have continued to battle the blaze for nearly a week, with some reportedly getting only a few hours of sleep a night, if they're lucky, residents in Vici said Tuesday.

Residents reported Tuesday that an estimated 32 homes in the area have been destroyed, with many other homes suffering damage and outbuildings and farm equipment destroyed. Residents also reported the loss of livestock in the area, but officials with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management have yet to release detailed numbers on the extent of damages.

On Saturday, Dewey County Sheriff Clay Sander reported a woman died in her vehicle at a residence near Seiling as a result of the fire.

On Thursday, a 61-year-old man also died from injuries he suffered in a fire that began southeast of Leedey. Officials said Jack Osben, a Roger Mills County employee, was attempting to help firefighters with the fire and was driving a motor grader when he was injured.

State Health Department officials reported Wednesday that there have been 20 injuries related to the wildfires, including 19 people treated for smoke inhalation and heat-related injuries and one person treated for burns.

In Woodward County, the 34 Complex Fire, which sparked April 12, is thought to have burned more than 67,000 acres and is 45 percent contained. Forestry services officials said no active fire was encountered Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. About 140 personnel are working to contain the fire, assisted by 12 fire engines, a bulldozer, helicopters and other aircraft.

Other fires have been reported in the state, including the Laverne Fire, which had burned about 100 acres as of Wednesday morning, and the Hooker Fire, estimated to have burned 179 acres and is 90 percent contained.

A wildfire was reported in McIntosh County, with an estimated 1,200 acres burned. Officials said no structures were lost in the fire and the it is expected to continue burning toward a lake, so no assistance has been requested.

Shelters and donations

Emergency shelters have been established for those displaced by the fire. Residents can go to the First Baptist Church in Watonga, 301 N Noble Ave., or the Vici Chamber Building, 107 East Broadway Street. Meals, clothing and other necessities are being offered for wildfire victims.

A shelter has also been established in Canton, at the Canton Old Gymnasium on Main Street. Shelters at the Elm Grove Community Church in Chester and the Fairview Community Center have closed.

The American Red Cross and Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief have provided more than 5,000 meals and 3,900 snacks since April 12.

Emergency management officials are asking residents affected by the Rhea Fire and the 34 Complex Fire to report damages by calling 211 or by going to www.ok.gov/OEM/ for more information. Reporting damage is necessary for local and state emergency managers to better coordinate response and recovery efforts.

Officials said monetary donations to reputable organizations or disaster funds are the most helpful way of assisting those impacted by the wildfires.

Donations are being accepted by going to www.okcattlemen.org and www.okfarmingandranching.org. Cash donations may also be given to volunteer fire departments, local churches, and voluntary organizations responding to the fires, such as the American Red Cross and the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief.

The Oklahoma Cooperation Extension Service is organizing donations of fencing supplies, hay and other livestock feed for those impacted by the fires. Call 405-590-0106 for more information.

Favorable weather conditions

Weather conditions favorable for containing the fires are expected over the next few days, according to the National Weather Service.

Sustained winds for western Oklahoma are expected to decrease below 20 mph for Thursday and Friday.

A storm system moving through Friday afternoon and into the evening is expected to bring beneficial rain to the area.

A high probability of precipitation is forecast for the area from Friday night through Sunday morning, the weather service reports.

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