Tuesday was expected to be a dangerous fire day in the area and expectations were correct. Texas County and other area Firefighters were challenged with incredible weather conditions during fighting wildland fires.
Two fires that occurred in Texas County used local and distant resources. The first fire reported at 11:45am was located northwest of Hooker at Rd. F & Mile 39 now known as “Stevens Fire”. This fire burned an estimated 5500 acres in an east/northeast direction. The second fire reported at 1:45pm was located at Hwy 54 & Mile 49 now known as “Side Road Fire”. This fire burned an estimated 3000 acres. In the Side Road Fire, fire and smoke conditions became so dangerous that a 7-vehicle crash occurred which required Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other local agencies to close Hwy 54 between Hooker and Tyrone. Only minor injuries were reported in the crash.
“These fires were expected to merge later in the afternoon due to the extreme wind conditions, but they both remained parallel burning everything in their path”, said Guymon Fire Chief Grant Wadley. Firefighters and other agencies had to split their resources to fight these fires at the same time.
In both fires, multiple homes and structures were totally lost with officials on Wednesday determining how many and the exact locations. No fire related injuries were reported to officials and cause of the fires is under investigation at this time. At one point, the town of Tyrone was ordered to evacuate due to the uncontrolled flames moving directly towards the town. Near the same time, power poles failed due to catching fire and then blown over by the strong winds which then left Tyrone without power till nearly 8:45pm last night. Evacuation orders were lifted Tuesday evening, and residence were able to return to their homes.
All eleven Fire Department in Texas County, Keyes Fire Department from Cimarron County, Gruver Fire Department from Texas, Oklahoma Forestry Service, and multiple Kansas Fire units responded. Aid and assistance from the Texas County Sheriff Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Hooker and Tyrone Police Departments, Hooker EMS, Texas County Districts 1, 2, and 3, and many other private farmers and industrial companies were used.
Fire units remained on patrol all during the night and continuing Wednesday putting out fire areas of concern. High Fire Danger is expected throughout next Monday with Texas County currently on an active Burn Ban.