OKC firefighters prepare for near hurricane force winds forecasted for Friday

Metro firefighters are bracing for a high fire threat Friday as near hurricane-force winds are forecasted.

With preparations already underway, a task force will commit as many resources as possible to reported fires — no matter how big or small. 

“We know as we've seen in California and other wildfires in the United States, these small fires can turn into big fires rather quickly,” District Chief Scott Douglas, spokesman for the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

Should a wildfire erupt Friday, no resource will be spared. The initial response will include 3 brush pumpers, 2 engines, and 1 chief.

“Our goal for Friday is we're staffing a lot of our rigs with extra personnel and hopefully we can get to the scene as fast as we can — with the most resources so we can extinguish these fires before they become larger wildfires,” said Douglas. 

Two years ago, in March 2023, in northeast Oklahoma City, just west of Kelley Ave. and Hefner Rd., a small fire caused by downed power lines grew into a 708-acre wildfire.

Neighborhoods were evacuated.

“The biggest concern is your safety; these wildfires can come in hard and fast,” said Douglas.

Firefighters remained on the scene for more than 24 hours and helped to minimize loss to property as seven other wildfires burned. Of the 152 homes threatened, three were lost.

Firefighters say preparedness is key to minimizing loss of property, injury, and even lives. 

To help, they recommend keeping grass cut short, eliminating fuel sources within 30 feet of your home, keeping roof and gutters clear, and ensuring addresses are visible from the street

For advice on how to better safeguard your home from wildfires, contact the Oklahoma City Fire Prevention Office, 405-232-7766, to have someone come out and assess your property for fire risk free of charge.

Because Friday has all the right ingredients for a high wildfire threat, residents with a burn permit will not be allowed to burn.

If you see even the smallest grass fire or smoke, call 911.