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By Caitlin Schudalla, Norman Transcript
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287 days ago
Article ID# 1707729
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American Red Cross
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA (Norman Transcript) - A wildfire which burned thousands of acres southeast of Lake Thunderbird also displaced many area residents from their homes Friday afternoon.
Noble City Hall at 304 South 3rd Street was designated as the primary emergency shelter for evacuees, with the Noble Public Library providing overflow room.
By late Friday evening a Noble-Slaughterville overnight shelter had been opened at Slaughterville Baptist Church, 10101 60th Street, Lexington.
“We have cold water and plenty of seating, we can handle probably 150 people, so we’re running a little short on space,” said Noble City Manager Bob Wade early in the afternoon.
As the fire progressed north of Post Oak Road, Red Cross personnel were estimating that 200 homes were in the path of the fire, with reports that several aleady had been destroyed.
“It’s unknown at this time how many people have actually been evacuated but we know there are at least 200 homes in the path of this fire,” Red Cross spokeswoman Kayla Costner said. “Evacuees may stay overnight in the Noble shelters if necessary.”
Thankfully no area residents suffered injuries, according to Kelly Wells, Media Relations Coordinator for Norman Regional Hospital.
“EMSStat personnel have been on the scene administering hydration and heat rehabilitation for the firefighters, including IVs if necessary,” Wells said.
According to on-scene reports from Slaughterville Mayor Bobby Cleveland, two firefighters were transported to a nearby hospital for injuries suffered in the firefight. Cleveland believed they were taken to Purcell “because it’s the closest hospital.” Purcell hospital personnel would not confirm this, citing privacy issues.
Even as efforts to stop the blaze were progressing, Cleveland said members of the community were rallying their support.
“We’ve got lots of water and gatorade being dropped off at Slaughterville city hall,” Cleveland said. “The community has been just amazing.”
Later in the evening Cleveland said a call for ice and ice chests was answered in amazing style.
“We had none, now we’re overflowing and don’t need any more,” he said. “But, we sure are grateful to everyone.”
Because the fire occured in densely wooded areas, accessing the fire was particularly difficult, but swift action from the Cleveland County Commissioners brought bulldozers in to clear brush and create paths for fire crews.
“The biggest problem has been these wooded areas, but it’s been a big help for Cleveland County to get these dozers out here to clear the woods for the firefighters,” Cleveland said.
Overall, Friday’s fire was an experience no community member will soon forget.
“I’ve never seen anything like it — flames shooting hundreds of feet in the air. This is certainly the worst fire Slaughterville has ever seen,” Cleveland said.
Copyright 2013 Norman Transcript
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Updated 287 days ago Article ID# 1707729
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