The Woodward News

Local News

July 24, 2012

Firefighters continue to battle blaze

Jessica Bruha Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — Throughout the day on Monday, firefighters from across the area continued to battle a fire in the southeast portion of Woodward County near Cedardale.

The fire started late Saturday afternoon and no structural damage has been reported said Matt Lehenbauer, Woodward emergency management director.

On Monday, Lehenbauer said the flames had burned through about 2,500 acres of land. The fire was brought under control each night but flare-ups during the day caused the fire to re-ignite



PROBLEMS FIREFIGHTERS ARE FACING

"There's so many trees out there, that's a big part of the problem," said Tommy Roedell, District 1 county commissioner. "As the wind comes up, it rekindles trees that are smoldering."

With leaves of the cedar trees easily ignited, fires were created downwind quite a bit, Roedell said.

Another problem firefighters face is the rough terrain in which they have to travel on to get to the main source of the problem - the trees. Roedell said equipment from all 3 districts in Woodward County, as well as equipment from Major and Ellis counties, is being used to help.

There are several dozers, blades and water trucks supplying water to fire trucks to assist the firefighters he said.

Not only is it difficult for firefighters to get to the hot spots, but the rough terrain is also causing equipment breakdowns Lehenbauer said.

"We're getting trucks repaired and in-service though," he said.

Other problems firefighters have been facing are lack of manpower and resources.

"One big issue we've had is the large fire in the Eagle City area out towards Oakwood," Lehenbauer said. "That's drawn some of our resources."

Lack of manpower also stems from most of the firefighters in the area being volunteers and having to return to work on Monday, the emergency manager said.



RESPONDERS

As of Monday afternoon, Lehenbauer said there were about 60 people on site working with heavy equipment to try and put an end to the 3-day blaze. People on scene included volunteers available in Woodward and Major counties and the Oklahoma Department of Forestry.

"The Department of Forestry is helping to build fire breaks," he said.

There were about 100 firefighters on the scene together over the past few days from most of the counties in Northwest Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma panhandle. There was also assistance from firefighters in Southwest Kansas.

"There were both wildfire task forces and state resources out there," Lehenbauer said. "A number of counties assisted."

Lehenbauer said Mark Murray and Travis Case, volunteer firefighters in Mooreland, were also doing an excellent job as incident commanders for the grass fire.

There was also a response from community members and organizations to make sure the many responders stayed hydrated and fed. The Quinlan United Methodist Church women's group has provided about 450 meals to firefighters so far.

K-Bob's Steakhouse in Woodward also provided about 225 meals to responders on Saturday and Sunday said Jason Hill, general manager of K-Bob's.

Lehenbauer said they are trying to extinguish the fire tonight because of several dangerous factors firefighters may face if it continues to burn Tuesday.

Fire conditions will be high, winds will be increasing about 10 to 15 miles per hour, humidity will be low and temperatures will be high he said.

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