By Devyn Lyon, Fox23 News
Fire officials at both the state and local level are urging Oklahomans to be extra cautious as dry conditions continue across the region, warning that even small fires can quickly turn dangerous.
“This time of year, when you see red flag fire warnings out, good judgment would tell you it’s not a good day to have a fire outside,” said James Fullingim, Oklahoma Assistant Fire Marshal.
According to the Tulsa Fire Department, fires don’t have to be large to become a major problem — especially when vegetation is dry.
“Any type of fire, whether it’s an arson fire, an unintentional fire, or a fire from discarded smoking materials, can spread very quickly,” said Andy Little, Public Information Officer for the Tulsa Fire Department.
Fire officials said they are particularly concerned about arson-related fires. In Creek County near Olive, investigators believe a series of fires were intentionally set. Fire crews there have responded to 19 fires so far this year and are searching for a possible serial arsonist.
“Arsonists do set fires, and many times it will spread beyond where you might have intended,” Fullingim said. “It’s not uncommon that a lot of those large wildfires you see are started by arson — that’s how some of them begin.”
Earlier this year, Oklahoma fire crews battled multiple large-scale wildfires, including major fires in Mannford and Stillwater. The State Fire Marshal’s Office said those events underscore the importance of prevention and preparedness.
Fullingim also pointed to destructive wildfires outside Oklahoma, including the Palisades Fire in California, which investigators determined was caused by arson.
“The dangers are real, and they are devastating,” he said.
While officials said lower winds this week make a large wildfire less likely, the risk is never zero. Tulsa Fire officials stress that fire danger exists year-round.
“You should avoid activities that can create sparks,” Little said. “If you see any fire or smoke that doesn’t look normal, you should call 9-1-1.”
Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency Director Bill Smiley said agencies across the region remain on standby, especially during dry seasons.
“We are ready at any time to help a local community or a larger city prepare for and respond to fires,” Smiley said.
Smiley added that lessons learned from earlier fires continue to shape emergency response efforts moving forward.
“It’s always communication — being able to communicate with each other,” he said. “Making sure people are in the right place and overall being prepared so when a fire does come, we can use all those resources where they’re needed.”
Fire officials said the public plays a critical role in preventing wildfires by using caution, following burn bans, and reporting suspicious activity or fires immediately.
