Drought — Harper, Oklahoma

2006-01-01 to 2006-01-31 · Harper, Oklahoma

Event narrative

Drought conditions persisted and expanded across the area into the first month of the new year. Drought levels ranged from severe to exceptional (D2-D4), with the driest conditions in southeast Oklahoma. Some precipitation did fall during the month, mainly in the form of snow, which did not do much to alleviate the dry conditions over the area. The new year started off with a bang with a major wildfire event occurring across the area on New Year's Day due to strong winds, some gusting over 50 mph, and low humidities. The biggest fire occurred in Kingfisher county where more than 31,360 across were burned. Another large fire occurred on January 1st in the Arbuckle Mountains of Murray county where 18,000 acres were scorched. Many federal, state, tribal, and local assets along with assistance from other states were used to fight the fires. The metropolitan area of Oklahoma City was not immune to the wildfires. Several fires ignited across the city. The largest urban wildfire affected the northeastern parts of the metro, where several neighborhoods were threatened and many residents were evacuated. Numerous structures were burned, but no injuries occurred. Overall, the wildfires across the western half of Oklahoma injured several firefighters due to smoke inhalation and minor burns, but no fatalities were reported. In all, over 55,000 acres were scorched across western and central Oklahoma on New Year's Day. Numerous structures, including many homes, were burned along with many large round hay bales which were desperately needed to sustain livestock through the drought. A Federal Emergency Declaration was declared for many of the affected counties.January 12 was another day of many wildfires across the area. Strong winds exacerbated already dry conditions. One of the largest wildfires occurred near Ratliff City in Carter county where 23,380 acres of land were scorched. The fire burned an area about 9 miles long and was at times 4.5 miles wide. Twenty homes and 3 mobile homes were destroyed. Two oil field offices, 9 garages, and 10 outbuildings were also destroyed. Two hundred round bales of hay were burned. Thirty-five head of cattle were also killed. One tank battery also caught fire which caused a hazmat incident. Four towns of approximately 800 homes were evacuated due to this fire.Many other days saw wildfires in the area. More than 110,000 acres were scorched during the month of January destroying many structures, including homes. The drought also continued to affect farm ponds and livestock across the area, with many ranchers and farmers selling their entire herd due to scorched pasture and hay, and lack of water.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5486005. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.