The skies over western Oklahoma wildfires brought relief to fire crews in the form of rain clouds Friday, April 20, allowing some crews to return home.
The Oklahoma Mesonet reported 0.77 inches of rain fell over Seiling, Oklahoma, from late April 20 through April 23. More than 1 inch fell over Woodward during the same time frame.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry-Forestry Services released a Fire Situation Report for April 23. The report offered more hope than has been seen in the 11 days since wildfires broke out across the western half of the state. More precise mapping has updated the reported acreages of the fires still being contained.
• 34 Complex (Woodward County): 62,481 acres and 94 percent contained. OFS reported 186 total personnel, 14 fire engines, one 20-person hand crew, four dozers and OFS helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft support have been deployed to the fire. Personnel and equipment have come from 19 states to assist.
Monday, April 23, will be the last full shift day for the 34 Complex Incident Management Team wildland firefighters, according to the OFS update. While crews will continue to patrol firelines there were no new initial attacks Sunday, April 22. Contingency resources from OFS and local fire departments will continue to be available to respond as needed, so OFS is calling on all citizens to not be complacent and keep themselves ready and observant for any fires.
• Rhea Fire (Dewey County): 286,742 acres and 74 percent contained. OFS reported 245 total personnel, working with the Oklahoma National Guard, state and local resources.
The official fire acreage was decreased by 1,952 acres with more precise mapping. Crews have been able to work directly on the fireline and mop up hotspots within 50 feet from the fire’s edge. The fire’s interior has also been cooling. The infrared flight the evening of Sunday, April 22, detected fewer than 10 hotspots, compared to 2,000 reported Thursday, April 19.
The rain improved the fuel moisture values of both live and dead fuel out there, the report stated. This reduces the likelihood of active fire behavior and the Rhea Fire is not expected to spread beyond existing firelines. Crews are still watching for smoldering stumps and slash piles, however.
“Today, clear skies in the west and clearing in the east are expected as temperatures warm into the low 70s, following a cool start,” the report stated. “Afternoon relative humidity values will be lowest in the western Panhandle at 30 percent, with 32 to 40 percent across the western counties and 38 to 55 percent east. Light and variable winds this morning will develop to northerly around 10 mph, with some shift to easterly by this afternoon.”
Most importantly, any new fires should only present moderate fire behavior, with a high probability of initial attack success, the report continued.
More rain is in the forecast for April 24 and 25 and that should help crews get further ahead of fires.
Jennifer M. Latzke can be reached at 620-227-1807 or [email protected].
