Agricultural News
Firefighters Continue to Expand Level of Containment of Anderson Creek Fire in Both Oklahoma and Kansas
Sun, 27 Mar 2016 18:11:05 CDT
Continued efforts by firefighters contributed to increased containment for the Anderson Creek Fire. Oklahoma Forestry Services officials report the 397,420 acre fire is now 45 percent contained with 370 personnel battling the large fire that covers three counties across Oklahoma and Kansas. Containment is now estimated at 40 percent for the portion of the fire in Woods County, OK. Kansas officials are reporting the fire to be 31 percent contained in Barber County and 90 percent contained in Comanche County. (The picture here shows Firefighters working a flare up within the perimeter of the Anderson Creek Fire- the picture courtesy of Oklahoma Forestry Services)
When a fire is referred to as contained, it means a line is constructed, firefighters are working to extinguish or remove burning material near containment lines, and the spread is stopped. Control means removing burning material near the lines is complete and the line is expected to hold. Once the fire is completely out and all resources have been released from the scene, the fire is 100 percent controlled.
Light precipitation fell across the area Saturday night through early Sunday morning which will likely assist firefighting efforts. Even with this precipitation, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant due to critical fire conditions expected to return Tuesday with low relative humidity and wind shifts.
"Crews are continuing efforts toward containment so the line will hold if fire weather returns to critical conditions," said George Geissler, Director of Oklahoma Forestry Services. "Firefighters may get a much needed reprieve Sunday and Monday, but will be ready for extreme fire weather to return on Tuesday."
Reports from Kansas suggest up to three inches of snow fell across the fire zone overnight Saturday into early Sunday. The Wichita Eagle has excellent coverage on that- click here for their report from Comanche and Barber County.
A relief fund has been established by the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation (OCF) to help Woods County Cattlemen who have been affected by the Anderson Creek Fire.
"We are coordinating with the Woods County Cattlemen's Association and the Woods County Extension office to identify area ranchers in need," said Jeff Jaronek, OCF Coordinator.
If you would like to donate to this relief effort, you can do so by mail or online. OCF is a charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA). Make checks payable to Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation and put "Fire Relief" in the memo line and send to P.O. Box 82395., Oklahoma City, OK 73148. To donate online, visit the OCA website by clicking here.
A county burn ban is in place in Harper and Cimarron counties. Oklahoma Forestry Services is the state's lead agency related to wildland fire prevention, protection and use. For additional information about wildfires, visit www.forestry.ok.gov/wildfire-information.
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