During the Seminole Board of County Commissioners meeting on Monday, Seminole County EMS Director Aaron Sowder noted that on Sunday area firefighters were called out to a grass fire in the Strother area. High winds fanned the flames, which quickly spread through the dead, dry, vegetation. Fire and high winds are always a challenge for firemen under the best of conditions. However, the challenge was made even greater by recent rains that have left much of the area saturated. The heavy, water-filled trucks had a difficult time maneuvering around to where they needed to be to effectively fight the fire without getting stuck in the mud.

Sowder commented that, despite the challenge of high winds and muddy ground, there were no structures lost to the fire, although there were some close calls. A Bureau of Indian Affairs fire truck also had a close call but was not damaged.

Sowder estimated the fire covered over 135 acres, but a crew was returning to the location to work on a more accurate report. A total of 18 fire apparatus, 30 firefighters, two tractors and one road grader responded to the call.

District 2 County Commissioner Tim Porter explained that the road grader mentioned in Sowder’s report was used to pull out a fire truck that got stuck in a muddy area after neither one of the tractors were able to do so. Porter commented that he wished he would have brought a bulldozer instead.

Citizens are reminded that, even though Spring may be in the air, the vegetation is still extremely dry. After a rain the ground may soak up the moisture, but wind will quickly dry out the vegetation. This makes it extremely hard for firefighters to maneuver their heavy, water filled trucks around without getting stuck, as was demonstrated Sunday.

Oklahoma has already had above normal precipitation since January, and more rain is predicted through Thursday. Heavy rains are expected in local areas. This means the challenges firemen face will continue for some time.

Although current conditions do not meet the requirements for a burn ban, extreme caution and common sense is strongly advised any time anyone plans an outdoor burn. It is strongly suggested that anyone planning a control burn, brush burn, or even a campfire contact the Seminole County non-emergency dispatch at (405) 382-9340 for advice and so they will be informed before someone sees the fire, reports it, and firefighters make an unnecessary run.

In addition to continuing fire danger, storm season has also arrived early and will continue for some time. Sowder shared that emergency management has ordered a new storm siren that they hope to have installed sometime next week. It will be located just east of NS 361 on 99a on the north side of the road. This will help increase the already large area of the county that Emergency Management can warn with their system of sirens.