Firefighters Ready For Oklahoma's Fire Season

The pictures coming from southern California are familiar to some Green Country residents, who battled wildfires just two years ago. And, Oklahoma's fire season is just around the corner. Some Tulsa

Thursday, October 25th 2007, 10:47 am

By: News On 6

The pictures coming from southern California are familiar to some Green Country residents, who battled wildfires just two years ago. And, Oklahoma's fire season is just around the corner. Some Tulsa area fire departments say we should all pay attention to what's happening on the west coast and start preparing now. The News On 6â€™s Ashli Sims reports there are things we can do to protect our homes.

"It's a constant reminder for us. And, we have to take heed of that, especially considering that our fire season here in the state of Oklahoma is upcoming. And, we have fresh memories from just a couple of years ago, where we had very, very serious wildland fire seasons,â€ said Sand Springs Deputy Fire Chief Tom Jenkins.

In November of 2005, Green Country was burning with widespread fires. Sand Springs Deputy Fire Chief Tom Jenkins says there are no Santa Ana winds in Sand Springs, but he knows from west Tulsa County what it's like to fight fires in rugged, hilly terrain.

"Certainly, they have a much tougher job there. Santa Ana winds I'm sure have nothing to compare in Oklahoma. But, still there are a lot of similarities, that we remember and firefighters throughout the metropolitan area remember,â€ said Sand Springs Deputy Fire Chief Tom Jenkins.

Jenkins wants homeowners to remember that wildfires aren't just a California phenomenon. Even though we're not in a drought like in 2005, when wildfires blazed, the wet weather does not stamp out the wildfire danger.

"That water that we received this spring and summer will act as a catalyst for growth and allow that vegetation to be that much more dense. And, it will be problematic. I have no doubt,â€ said Sand Springs Deputy Fire Chief Tom Jenkins.

And, while firefighters are constantly sharpening their skills, homeowners should also start preparing.

"Keep your lawn well-manicured. Don't allow leaves to accumulate in corners of your house, along your fence, around anywhere that if they caught on fire they could subsequently catch your house on fire,â€ said Sand Springs Deputy Fire Chief Tom Jenkins.

The Sand Springs Fire Department just received a federal grant to plan for fire season and decrease the risks. They say if you're concerned about your property, call your local department now, before wildfires start.

Watch the video: Firefighters Ready For Oklahoma's Fire Season