Fire near Page now contained

Fire near Page now contained

A wildfire that began Monday is now considered contained thanks to collaborative efforts by emergency response agencies.

The approximately 209-acre fire near the community of Page is considered fully contained as of Thursday. The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Fueled by dry conditions and wind, the early afternoon fire grew rapidly and spread through cured pasture grasses and timber.

Two structures were lost, but swift response from Oklahoma Forestry Services and volunteer fire departments prevented the loss of 15 additional threatened primary structures and seven secondary structures. The wildfire spread onto the Ouachita National Forest where initial attack suppression efforts prevented wildfire from entering the Black Fork Mountain Wilderness Area.

“The collaborated response to the Page wildfire was an excellent demonstration of coordinated effort and cooperation at multiple levels by emergency response personnel,” offered Kris Wilson, Fire Management Officer for the Oklahoma Ranger District-Ouachita National Forest.

Oklahoma Forestry Services reports that 41 resources/types responded from four different agencies including local, county, state, and federal ground and air resources. These resources included one Type 1 helicopter which deposited two loads of water (1600 gallons) onto the fire, and one Type 3 helicopter which deposited eight loads of water (1120 gallons). Both helicopters are currently assigned to the USDA Forest Service and are strategically pre-positioned to serve all corners of the forest and assist other partners.

Wilson shared his disappointment for the loss of two structures but had this to add: “While we are rooted in our communities, we are humble enough to know when we need each other’s help. These collaborative efforts ultimately resulted in the safe and successful containment of the Page wildfire, and further demonstrate the value each of us place on shared stewardship and service to each other and the communities we serve.”

Firefighting resources remain in the area performing patrol and mop-up activities, up to and including removing flammable organic material near control lines, felling any fire-damaged trees, and cooling ash pits to reduce residual smoke and minimize chances of escape.

“Many of the wildfires that are responded to in Southeast Oklahoma are a unified response among local, county, state, Tribal and federal resources. These partnerships enable all of us to maximize our efforts to protect lives and properties and we do that regardless of our patches on our uniforms,” said Oklahoma Forestry Services Fire Management Chief Andy James. “We want to remind the public that reporting these fires quickly is vital. One call might save a life—and it could be your own.”

Many counties in Oklahoma remain under a burn ban, including LeFlore and McCurtain Counties. For more information on burn bans, visit https://ag.ok.gov/divisions/forestry-services/. To report fires in Southeastern Oklahoma, please call 800-299-2468. To report arson, please call 866-NO ARSON (866-662-7766).