Governor Mary Fallin on Tuesday issued an executive order to declare a state of emergency for 22 counties due to ongoing wildfires and critical fire weather conditions. The news comes as we learn that two volunteer Luther firefighters will deploy to NW Oklahoma Wednesday morning to help with the wildfires there.
Brett Conner and Billy Hofegartner of the Luther Fire Department will go with a brush truck as part of the Oklahoma County Wildland Taskforce to NW Oklahoma Wednesday. The Oklahoma County Wildland Task Force has been activated for the Northwest Oklahoma fires. Luther will join crews from Del City, Midwest City, Oklahoma City, Edmond and Harrah.
The Governor’s state of emergeny covers the following counties: Alfalfa, Beaver, Blaine, Cimarron, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Grant, Harper, Kay, Kingfisher, Logan, Major, Noble, Osage, Payne, Pawnee, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward.
According to the Governor’s office, estimates show between 200,000 and 300,000 acres have already burned in Beaver, Harper and Woodward counties alone, where dangerous fire conditions are expected to continue tonight and tomorrow.
Under the executive order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. It is also the first step toward seeking federal aid should it be necessary.
The executive order is in effect for 30 days and could be amended to include additional counties if conditions warrant.
