Wildfire Danger High, Just Around the Corner

Oklahoma is bracing for another dangerous fire season. Firefighters expect activity to increase in the next few weeks, as temperatures go up. 

"As firefighters we're all concerned anytime we've had a dry period like we've had," Maj. Jim Williams with the Oklahoma City Fire Department said.

Williams said his firefighters are constantly training for the threat.

"For our guys its all about knowledge, skills and abilities to be able to perform when the tones go off," Williams said.

Oklahoma City Fire places brush pumpers in strategic locations across the city.  Each firefighter is also issued special gear for wildland fire fights.

Firefighters say its important for everyone to do their part to prevent these fires.  Williams encourages people to avoid any outdoor activity that could spark a fire, like working with some machinery in dry fields or throwing out lit cigarettes.

"We do encourage people to call 911 early. Don't try to put it out yourself, before calling 911- everyone has a cell phone these days," he said.

Increased rainfall could curb the threat, but Williams says an increase is not likely. Wildfire victims are also worried about the lack of moisture.

"The mild winter has been nice. Its been helpful so we can work, but it worries me,"  Steve Morse said. "I'm not sure I can take another hot summer like that." 

Morse is in the process of rebuilding his home, after the August wildfire in Luther burned it down.

"We had these three little cabins that survived the fire and I could have just lived in those, but then there's just be an empty slab sitting around and I just couldn't live with that and let the fire win," Morse said.

Morse said he is luckier than others in Luther, who were affected by the fire.  He said he is one of only a handful rebuilding, thanks to a Small Business Administration loan.

He is rebuilding, using more fireproof material and plans to put in a more defensive landscape around the house.

"If I can survive this, I think anyone can survive just about anything," Morse said.Wildfire Danger High, Just Around the Corner

Posted: Sunday, March 17 2013, 09:26 PM CDT