The Woodward News

Local News

Related Photos

  • A Sharon grass fire rig can be seen across the burned remains of a field while hitting hot spots from a grass fire north of Sharon, near Belewville on Sunday, Aug. 19. Rowynn Ricks

    webfiresharon1.JPG

  • A nearby resident uses a garden hose to try to help keep a grass fire from spreading north of Sharon on Sunday, Aug. 19. Rowynn Ricks

    websharongardenhose.JPG

  • A firefighter riding atop a Sharon fire unit can be seen through some burnt brush spraying down the far edge of a burnt field to keep a grass fire from spreading north of Sharon on Sunday, Aug. 19. Rowynn Ricks

    websharonfirethrubrush.JPG

  • A Sharon grass rig hits a hot spot on the edge of a field that was burned by a grass fire on Sunday, Aug. 19. Rowynn Ricks

    websharonfire2.JPG

  • A dirt road wasn't enough to stop a grass fire from spreading to another field north of Sharon on Sunday, Aug. 19. However, fast acting firefighters were able to stop the flames before they destroyed any nearby structures. Rowynn Ricks

    websharonfirejump.JPG

  • Tom Brown can be seen looking over his smoking lawnmower near his residence along Highway 34 near Belewville on Sunday, Aug. 19. Rowynn Ricks

    websharonfirelawnmower.JPG

  • This rabbit was seen hopping through the burned field following a grass fire north of Sharon, near Belewville on Sunday, Aug. 19. Rowynn Ricks

    webfirerabbit.JPG
August 19, 2012

Man says lawnmower started grass fire

Rowynn Ricks Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — A rural Woodward County man says his lawnmower was to blame for a grass fire that burned close to some homes along Highway 34 north of Sharon, near Belewville on Sunday, Aug. 19.

Tom Brown told The News that he thought the cooler temperatures on Sunday provided the perfect opportunity to do some mowing around his residence near Belewville.

"I guess something got stuck under the mower," Brown said of how the grass fire got started.

"And you know how fire just goes when it comes to dead grass," he said, speaking to how quickly the fire spread, burning southward across a dry field of grass.

However, the quick response of county fire departments that sent units from Sharon, Mutual and Woodward, was able to contain the fire and keep it from spreading to nearby structures.

Brown's lawnmower wasn't so lucky as it did sustain some damage from the fire.

"These things happen; that's just life," he said, noting that he was just glad that "It looks like it just burnt the grass.  So thank God for that."

Brown was also thankful that he wasn't injured in the fire.

Text Only
Local News
  • Amateur radio group hosting field day

    Area amateur radio operators will be putting their radio skills to the test this weekend as part of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day.
    And the public is invited to come participate and learn more about the important communication roles that ham radio play in our society.

    June 19, 2013

  • Fanning leaving commission

    After serving the City of Woodward for more than 12 years, former Mayor and Woodward City Commissioner Bill Fanning stepped down from his post Monday evening, stating “family matters” as his reason.

    June 19, 2013

  • City approves rezoning, agreements

    A rezoning request for a proposed residential community for seniors was approved during Monday's regular Woodward City Commission meeting.

    June 19, 2013

  • County OKs agreements

    Woodward County Commissioners approved a renewal contract between Oklahoma Juvenile Affairs and the county during their regularly scheduled meeting Monday morning.

    June 18, 2013

  • Infrared camera can help with safety

    Ever since Spencer Albracht can remember, he has been taking things apart, curious about just what made them work.
    "Back then, when I was a kid, I mostly couldn’t get them put back together,” Albracht joked.

    June 16, 2013

  • Celebrating with American Cancer Society

    Teams at this year's Relay for Life in Woodward had a party.
    A birthday party that is, as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the American Cancer Society (ACS).  They also celebrated how ACS seeks to help all cancer patients celebrate more birthdays.
    So during Friday night's Relay birthday party, the guests of honor were, as they are every year, the many local cancer survivors.
    The News visited with just a few of these brave battlers who shared stories about their individual journeys to overcome cancer.

    June 16, 2013

  • Commission to take up contracts

    Approval of the annual contract with the Woodward Industrial Foundation is one of the major topics Woodward City Commissioners will discuss in their regular meeting on Monday.

    June 16, 2013

  • 6 arrested on felony methamphetamine charges

    A single search warrant recently led to the arrest of 6 people on serious drug charges including intent to distribute and endeavoring to manufacture methamphetamine.

    June 16, 2013

  • Students to benefit from bond issue

    Days after the Sharon-Mutual Bond Issue passed, school officials are still celebrating on the inside, said Jeff Thompson, Sharon-Mutual superintendent.

    June 16, 2013

  • School board hires BWA Architects

    While the actual size of a bond issue proposal for the Woodward School District is still being determined, there is an architectural firm on board to go along with the already-hired construction manager Joe D. Hall.

    June 15, 2013