On Sunday, a fire that started as a prescribed burn killed one person and destroyed at least 20 homes in Oklahoma.
The fire started in Logan County, Oklahoma. As of Sunday night, the fire was about four miles long and a mile wide. Somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 acres were burned by Sunday evening. The recent high temperatures and windy conditions haven’t helped fire fighters either. On Monday morning, the fire was about 75 percent contained. CNN reported that the fire in Logan County was the largest of several fires happening in Oklahoma at the same time.
52 Square Miles Burned
As of Thursday, according to Oklahoma Forestry Services, the fires have burned more than 52 square miles since they started on Sunday. About 42 of those miles happened in Woodward County, Oklahoma. The Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 56-year-old Johnnie Ray Knox of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Thankfully, a little bit of rain is now reducing the fire danger in some areas of Oklahoma. According to KSWO Channel Seven News, many at-risk areas haven’t seen much precipitation at all though.
Statewide Emergency
On Monday, Governor Fallin declared a statewide emergency and issued burn bans for 36 counties in Oklahoma. Fire danger was a real concern in Texas last year with incredibly hot and dry weather. Thankfully, fire fighters were able to quickly contain a fire at Possum Kingdom Lake that burned about 39 acres last year. The 2011 Possum Kingdom fire destroyed more than 150 homes before it could be contained. When temperatures are hot and windy, fires can be difficult for fire fighters to contain.
Fire Danger in North Texas
Unfortunately, Texas and Oklahoma aren’t out of fire danger yet. Wichita Falls is currently at a 41 inch rainfall deficit. A fire in Texoma could be absolutely devastating. The National Weather Service just reported that the Texoma area was the hottest location in America on Monday. Wichita Falls hit 102 degrees, and Altus, Oklahoma hit 107 degrees. Texoma residents are urged to exercise additional caution during outdoor activities. Weather conditions are incredibly dry, hot and windy. If a fire gets started, it might quickly burn out of control. Surviving victims of fire damage can often face extensive rehabilitation and long-term recoveries for smoke inhalation and burn injuries. The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Mr. Knox.