|
Published: April 04, 2008 08:55 am
Fire rages northeast of Woodward
Rowynn Ricks
A wildfire that raged northeast of Woodward Thursday created a lot of black smoke as it consumed cedar trees like these that were in its path. The fire started as a controlled burn, Woodward Fire Marshal Todd Finley said. “We’re not sure what made it go out of control,” he said.
However, once out of control, high winds spurred the blaze on so that at times it was spreading at around 30 mph. By the time firefighters got the blaze under control again, Finley said it had burned a swath of land around two miles long and half a mile wide. As it burned the blaze threatened a number of homes and flames did get to within 50 or so feet of one house, Finley said.
A number of fire departments responded to help fight the blaze, Finley said, including Fargo, Fort Supply, Gage, Mooreland, Mutual, Sharon, Taloga, Vici and Harper County. Both Harper County and Woodward County Sheriff’s Offices responded to the scene as did the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. In addition, the Red Cross offered its services and support to the firefighters.
Woodward County Commissioners also did their part by providing men and equipment such as road graters to cut fire breaks.
Finley said it was fortunate that just prior to being called out to the fire a number of officials from Woodward and several other area counties were participating in a wildland training class at High Plains Technology Center, where they were learning how to use heavy equipment to help in battling wildfires.
“We went straight from the classroom to the scene,” Finley said. “And it worked really well.”
With Thursday’s fire being just one of many wildfires fought by area fire departments recently, Finley noted that they did have some fire apparatus break down. However, he noted that most were up and running again by Thursday evening.
“All these grass fires are really taking a toll on all these departments,” he said. “You go on these large grass fires so many times and equipment starts breaking down.” Right now, he said the departments just need some time to recover. “Hopefully we’ll get some rain soon,” Finley said.
• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
|
Photos
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY?
TAK A LOOK AT MUTUAL OF OMAHA Begin today. Mutual of Omaha's Woodward Satellite Office is looking for talented...>MORE
JUVENILE INTAKE WORKER NEEDED
for Community Intervention Center. Western Plains Youth & Family Services, Inc. is seeking part time Juven...>MORE
$12.00 PER HOUR
Yard Hand, full time, 401K, insurance, paid vacation. Mon.-Fri. 8-5, some Saturdays. Apply in person 3...>MORE
SALES
Are you a sales-oriented professional passionate about exceeding customer’s expectations? Consider a career in banking ...>MORE
DRIVERS
Class A CDL Driver Woodward Area
Terra Renewal is seeking Class A CDL Drivers. Must have 2...>MORE
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City of Waynoka searching for Administrator/Manager of Waynoka Utilities Authority. Must have Bachelor’s Degree or exten...>MORE
BEST IN CLASS DRIVERS
A higher quality of life is here Up to $1,000.00 per week Superior benefits! Majority drop and hook...>MORE
UP TO $200 PER DAY
CDL Drivers Needed in oil services in Woodward area. Home every night. Call (682)225-9686. Laborers Also Needed...>MORE
SATELLITE INSTALLERS NEEDED
Male or female. Woodward area. No experience necessary. Electrical and construction background preferred. Call Howard (9...>MORE
Wireline Operator & Cased Hole Field Engineer
Apply online at weatherford.jobs or in person at 607 Martin Rd. Woodward, OK 73801...>MORE
See all ads |
|
2007 LINCOLN MKX
White metallic pearl, alloy wheels, Like new, sunroof, heated leather seats, two tone tan with wood grain, power sunroof...>MORE
01 GRAND CHEROKEE LTD
4X4, 92k miles, sun roof, power everything, 10 disc CD, $8,500. Must sell. See at 1824 Main. 254-5588, 256-8522....>MORE
2007 LINCOLN MKX
White metallic pearl, alloy wheels, Like new, sunroof, heated leather seats, two tone tan with wood grain, power sunroof...>MORE
2003 GMC
2003 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD SLE White exterior, gray cloth interior, extended cab, 2X2, CD, power seats, power win...>MORE
See all ads |
|
BY OWNER
1604 Hillcrest. 3300 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 story, large living area with loft, newly remodeled master...>MORE
4 bedroom, 2 bath
120 Willow Ave 4 bedroom, 2 bath, storm cellar, large backyard, ch&a. Redecorated, new paint & carpet. Fireplace. <...>MORE
See all ads |
|
SLEEPS SIX
1999 franklin 5th wheel, washer, dryer, 2 slides, 40’. $17,000. 214-682-6993. Woodward....>MORE
COUNTRY LIVING
Very Nice 3 bed, 2 bath Home with 5 Acres and 40 X 30 Metal shop with living quarters. www.woodwardokr...>MORE
NEW FEDERAL LENDING PROGRAM
9 Homes available. First Come, First Serve! 0 down! Guaranteed approval for land owners. 2 bedroom to 5 bedroom ho...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|