Oklahoma fire update for April 18: Extreme conditions lead to numerous evacuations

Extreme fire behavior Tuesday, April 17, led to numerous evacuations in the area north and east of the Rhea Fire in Oklahoma. As of the morning of Wednesday, April 18, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry-Forestry Services, reported about 321,718 acres have burned across western Oklahoma.

• 34 Complex (Woodward County): 67,776 acres, 45% contained;

• Rhea Fire (Dewey County): 253,663 acres, 6 percent contained;

• Laverne Fire (Beaver/Harper Counties): 100 acres, no containment reported;

• Hooker Fire (Texas County): 179 acres, 90 percent contained.

OFS reported that thankfully new fire starts April 17 were minimal during the historic fire weather conditions, but the danger is still imminent. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect April 18.

“Extreme fire weather conditions will exist near and west of a line from Alfalfa County to Tillman County,” according to the report. New fires are likely to rapidly spread and resist control, and the ongoing Rhea Fire and 34 Complex Fires will likely experience additional growth. Air and ground resources are in place to fight the fires, including helicopters, CL-415 Super Scoopers, Type 1 Airtankers, and 5 OFS Task Forces. Still county wildland task forces are asked to stay alert for mobilization.

The weather for April 18 isn’t giving firefighters a break in western Oklahoma. Afternoon relative humidity is expected to range from the upper single digits to mid-teens. North to northwest winds are forecast to be sustained at 15 to 20 mph with 30 mph or more gusts. Highest winds are forecast for north of US Highway 412.

Officials report that “normal” tactics to fight the fires aren’t working in these abnormal conditions and at least one Type 6 Engine was burned and destroyed April 12. Thankfully there was no loss of life.

“A high threat to the lives of firefighters and the public will continue in western Oklahoma until substantial rainfall is received and spring green up occurs,” the report stressed in a special note to firefighters. “Don’t engaged in wildland firefighting without full Personal Protective Equipment, a strong anchor point, a strategic and tactical plan and knowing your escape routes and safety zones.”

At least one wildfire was started yesterday due to careless actions that violated the Burn Ban in place.

Jennifer M. Latzke can be reached at 620-227-1807 or [email protected].