Drought conditions and raging wildfires prompt Oklahoma Lt Gov to declare a state of emergency for 33 counties
At least 10 blazes have been reported in Oklahoma, forcing thousands of residents to abandon their homes in western and southern Oklahoma.
“These counties have struggled to see relief from our current drought and with Oklahoma’s high winds, conditions have unfortunately been ideal for devastating wildfires,” Lt. Gov. Lamb said.
A large fire near Lawton has reportedly destroyed up to 20 homes (an unknown number of homes have been damaged), and consumed about 6,000 acres.
Oklahoma Map of below normal 7-day average streamflow. Source: USGS. Click images to enlarge
Fires burning in A Comanche County. At least one injury reported. Frame grab from a news video clip. Watch video here.
The State of Emergency
The State of Emergency declaration covers Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Cimarron, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Jefferson, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Love, Major, Roger Mills, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Washita, Woods and Woodward counties.
Additional counties may be added, if conditions deteriorate.
Current HMS Fire and Smoke Analysis
Analyzed Fires and Smoke from Satellite on NESDIS ArcIMS server. Map enhanced by FIRE-EARTH. Click images to enlarge.
Fire Earth 