The Woodward News

Local News

July 5, 2012

Area counties fight July 4 blazes too

Brandi Thomas Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — Severely dry conditions and strong winds helped fuel area fires that were started by fireworks on Wednesday.

According to the Beaver County Emergency Management there were a total of 3 fires in the northwest corner of the county near the Kansas state line.  One of these fires took place during the afternoon hours and burned nearly 200 acres of pasture.

The other 2 were small grass fires that were put out by the landowners but fire trucks did respond to the area to assist as needed.

Beaver County has been in a burn ban since early last week, so if prosecuted, those responsible for the fires could potentially face fines up to $500 and up to a year in the county jail, according to emergency management officials.

Dewey County also reported a few small grass fires due to fireworks.  A total of 5 fires were reported by the Dewey County Emergency Management.

Dewey County officials said that these fires burned mostly grass and pasture and no significant damage was caused by them.

Harper County only had a couple fires, mostly near or in the town of Laverne.

According to the Laverne Police department there were 2 small grass fires and a dumpster fire, and then one north of town that was caused by the town's fireworks display that was put out quickly by the fire department. There was no significant damage reported with these fires.

Major County had 7 fires reported. According to the Major County Sheriff's Office, most of the fires were grass fires, but there was one building damaged out by Chester that the county was assisting on. With the Fairview Fire Department busy on other calls, Fairview firefighters said Orienta Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire by Chester.  The News was unable to reach Orienta officials for more information about what type of structure was damaged or how badly.

Ellis County also saw several fires Wednesday evening, however emergency management officials were not available to provide specific details about the number of fires and extent of damage.

Text Only
Local News
  • Season approaching for Farmer’s Market

    The Woodward Farmer's Market will be in a new location when it opens for the 2013 season on May 25.

    May 17, 2013

  • Routine items on agenda

    The Board of Woodward County Commissioners will address a number of routine annual items during their regular meeting at 10 a.m. Monday at the county courthouse.

    May 17, 2013

  • Walleye Rodeo is under way

    CANTON -  The Walleye Rodeo is under way in Canton with a number of events taking place.

    May 17, 2013

  • Police look for stabbing suspect

    Woodward Police are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred early Wednesday morning at a residence in west Woodward.

    May 16, 2013

  • Seatbelts can make a difference

    Just a few seconds.
    That's all it takes to buckle up.
    And wearing your seatbelt can make all the difference when it comes to surviving a traffic accident, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

    May 16, 2013

  • At least 6 confirmed dead in Texas tornadoes

    GRANBURY, Texas (AP) — A rash of tornados whirled through small communities in North Texas overnight, leaving at least six people dead, dozens more injured and hundreds homeless. The violent spring storm threw trailers onto cars, blew windows from houses and scattered bodies far from their homes.

    May 16, 2013

  • Committee preparing bond issue

    The Woodward Public School District's Long Range Planning Committee has a "very busy summer ahead" as it prepares to present a bond proposal to the school board.

    May 15, 2013

  • Busy time for local schools

    End of the school year activities continue at a quick pace in Woodward.

    May 15, 2013

  • Chamber hears report on golf course

    Woodward Chamber of Commerce members received an update on the ongoing renovations at Boiling Springs golf course during the monthly Chamber luncheon on Monday.

    May 14, 2013

  • Bicycle safety program Saturday

    A local motorcycle group is looking to help kids get an early start with learning how to be safe while riding on 2 wheels.

    May 14, 2013