Tulsa-Area Brush Fires: Some Contained But Still Burning

Monday, March 5th 2012, 3:20 pm

By: News On 6

A number of fire departments were busy across the Tulsa area Monday afternoon fighting grass and brush fires.

A fire burning near Mounds is still not under control as of Monday night. Crews are working around the clock to get it contained before Tuesday's winds pick up.

Smoke was drifting over a number of communities including Tulsa, Sand Springs, Skiatook and Owasso thanks to very dry conditions, warm temperatures and southerly winds.

"Smokes pitiful. You can't hardly breathe or see. Your eyes burn and water. Your nose run. It's pitiful," said Mounds resident Butch Rice.



In Turley, Tulsa Fire assisted the Turley Fire Department with a brush fire in the 7900 block of North Hartford. Sperry Fire was also helping.

Another fire was burning in southern Osage County. Sand Springs Fire was at that fire.

The Army National Guard had a Black Hawk helicopter up fighting the Liberty-Mounds fire.

That fire has been burning for three days and still not under control, according to an assistant fire chief at the scene.

"The terrain is so rough and so many trees. We just can't get down to it where we could make a stand. And then when it comes out like it is, it just takes off. Faster than you can chase it," said Ed Banks, Sapulpa Asst. Fire Chief.

Firefighters turned to defense--keeping the fire from homes and other structures. Protecting property with fire lines and back burns.

Fire crews from at least seven departments battled this blaze. Fish and Wildlife brought in bulldozers and other equipment.

Still others are burning near Kiefer, Sapulpa, Bristow and Leonard. Most of those fires are contained but not out as of Monday night.

As the winds picks up Monday evening into Tuesday morning, more fires are expected to break out.

Sand Springs Fire said they were being flooded with calls about the smoke-filled skies "and this is taxing their communications and fire run capabilities."

Sand Springs was asking residents to call only if they see actual flames or fire.

Dry vegetation, low humidity and strong winds will all contribute to dangerous wildfire conditions through Tuesday afternoon.



Things should improve as the week progresses. News On 6 meteorologist Michael Grogan says we could see heavy rains beginning on Thursday.

Read Michael Grogan's weather blog.

Oklahoma Forestry Services reminds the public to avoid any outside activity that could spark a wildfire including open campfires and burning trash or other debris.

The Tulsa Regional Red Cross had planned to open an evacuation respite center, but decided to cancel those plans when fire conditions changed for the better.