Learn What Oklahoma Wildfire Victims Really Need - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com |

NEWS: Oklahoma Wildfires

Learn What Oklahoma Wildfire Victims Really Need

Posted: Updated:
Sherry Pradmore, a Creek County wildfire victim, gets a hug at LakeChurch in Mannford. Sherry Pradmore, a Creek County wildfire victim, gets a hug at LakeChurch in Mannford.
Many area churches, businesses and organizations are accepting donations. Many area churches, businesses and organizations are accepting donations.
Mannford City Manager Mike Nunneley said fire victims need nonperishable items, but not more clothing. Mannford City Manager Mike Nunneley said fire victims need nonperishable items, but not more clothing.
MANNFORD, Oklahoma -

Donations are pouring in for the victims of this weekend's wildfires in Creek County. Some items are piling up, while other basic necessities are desperately needed.

LakeChurch in Mannford is at "ground zero," where they are coordinating with other churches and organizations to help people who are stuck at home without water or power and those who lost absolutely everything.

The wildfires are seared into memories. Like so many others, Sherry Pradmore says the fire destroyed everything.

"The trailers melt do you know that? The siding melted on my daughter's just like ice cream," said Sherry Pradmore, a Creek County wildfire victim.

"They were like bombs. The cars were - gasoline tanks, baby - just blowing. Duck your head and pull your hands over. Fire went up over our truck," she said.

"My house is totally gone. Thirty some years of gatherings."

Floyd Inks is another Creek County fire victim.

"We lost everything – just everything," he said. "Our land is gone. Really just burned up."

A community charred by Mother Nature is now dusting off the ashes to start again.

"This is pretty devastating. The numbers are 58,000 acres. That's Colorado, California type fires right here in Creek County," said Mannford City Manager Mike Nunneley.

8/6/2012 Related Story: Mannford, Sand Springs Churches Become Donation Centers For Wildfire Victims

Mannford City Manager Mike Nunneley says what's needed are nonperishable items: food, baby food, pet food. Paper goods like paper plates, cups and napkins. Personal care items like toothpaste and toothbrushes.

"Ninety-five percent of people still have a house. They are living in it with no electricity and no water, but they don't want to leave that house," Nunneley said.

See complete Oklahoma Wildfires coverage

Nunneley says the area lost 50-70 homes, like Sherry Pradmore's. But she says everything can be replaced. What they really need are prayers.

And hugs. And support.

"People ask me what we really, really want," she said. "It's not possible just yet. We want a place. We want our own bed. To feel safe. And we'll have it."

Nunneley says they do NOT need any more clothes. He says people are only taking a few items because really, they have no place to put it.

Special Features

Community Calendar

Find out what's going on around town and submit events!

Desktop Radar

Know when severe weather moves in, download the I-News Desktop Radar.

iPhone App

Get breaking news, weather, sports & video directly on your iPhone.

Mobile Alerts

Get breaking news, headlines, weather alerts & more on your cell phone.

TV Schedule

Need to know what's on TV? Check out our television schedule.

Live Radar

WARN Interactive

Featured on NewsOn6.com

  • Desktop Radar

    Download I-News to receive weather alerts, current conditions & view the live radar!

  • Mobile Alerts

    Get alerts sent to your cell phone or email when watches and warnings are issued for severe weather.

  • Radars

    See where weather is happening using our live interactive radars.

  • SkyNews 6

    When there is breaking news across the state SKYKNEWS 6 can be first on the scene.

  • Storm Zone

    Watch tornadoes tear across Oklahoma and learn how to stay safe!

Powered by WorldNow
News On 6
303 N. Boston Ave
Tulsa, OK 74103
TULSA'S OWN TM
GREEN COUNTRY'S OWN TM
Oklahoma’s Own NewsOn6.com is proud to provide Oklahomans with timely and relevant news and information, sharing the stories, pictures and loves of Oklahomans across our great state including Tulsa’s Own and Green Country’s Own.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013, WorldNow and KOTV. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.