Residents of one US state have been advised to follow wildfire safety guidelines, which include steering clear of activities that might create a spark.
On October 28, 2024, a Red Flag Warning was issued for most of Oklahoma, including much of the county’s western, northern, and north-central regions.
Firefighters from across Kansas and Oklahoma battle a major wildfire near Protection, Kan, on March 7, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman issued the Red Flag Warning on its Facebook page, alerting residents of Oklahoma to near-critical fire conditions anticipated on October 29 and 30.
A wildfire jumps a fire line in Graford, Texas, on September 1, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
The NWS noted that strong southern winds, dry plant matter, and low humidity levels on the afternoon of October 28 will foster ideal wildfire conditions, expected to persist until 6:00 p.m.
Firefighters from across Kansas and Oklahoma battle a major wildfire near Protection, Kan, on March 7, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
With the heightened fire danger, residents are urged to follow fire safety guidelines, including safely disposing of cigarettes, keeping vehicles off dry vegetation, and steering clear of any activities that may cause sparks or flames.
People in the community of Tujunga watch approaching flames during the La Tuna Fire near Burbank, California, on September 2, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
They should also steer clear of spark-producing equipment, follow burn bans, and comply with evacuation orders if needed. Regions expected to be highly affected are western, northern, and north-central Oklahoma.
A worker prepares a fire hose for shipping at the NewView Oklahoma facility in Oklahoma City, on September 16, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
On, October 28, high temperatures are forecasted to reach the upper 80s, with southern winds between 31 and 37 mph, accompanied by gusts up to 55 mph.
An Erickson Air Crane firefighting helicopter drops water over the La Tuna Fire near Burbank, California, on September 2, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Fire weather conditions are anticipated to worsen on October 30, 2024, as a cold front moves through. Near-critical fire danger is expected across western Oklahoma, with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees and winds shifting from south to west at speeds of 22 to 29 mph, with gusts around 44 mph.
Flames rise from the La Tuna Fire near Burbank, California, on September 2, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
A wildfire already started on October 24 near Rush Lake in Southwest Oklahoma, known as the Rush Fire. It has since spread through the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, burning 12,497 acres as of October 28, and is currently 48 percent contained.
The refuge remains closed due to smoke, with the fire actively burning within its Special-Use Area. Oklahoma Governor, Kevin Stitt, posted on Facebook, notifying the public that all resources will be made available to help them and to coordinate support for wildfire.
Displaced residents at the Green Valley Community Church evacuation center during the Caldor Fire in Placerville, California, on August 19, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
He added, “Much of our state is under a Red Flag Warning—strong winds, dry conditions. Stay vigilant, follow local alerts, and avoid any activity that could start a fire!”
Scott Douglas of the Oklahoma City Fire Department has also asked the public to keep the grass short and eliminate fuel sources in their yards. These precautions prevent a wildfire from growing if it hits an area.
As firefighters work to contain the Rush Fire in Southwest Oklahoma, the NWS’s Red Flag Warning remains in effect, highlighting the potential for rapid fire spread due to high winds and dry conditions and the need for residents to remain cautious.
