Jenks Battles Massive Mulch Fire, Declares State of Emergency

Jenks, Oklahoma is grappling with a massive mulch fire at Gem Dirt that has prompted a state of emergency declaration. The blaze, which began on March 17th, has required a multi-agency response and significant water resources to combat. Smoke from the fire has impacted visibility on Highway 75, leading to warnings for drivers.

A Monumental Blaze

The fire at Gem Dirt, located near 96th Street and 33rd West Avenue, involved an estimated 4.5 million cubic feet of compost material, reaching heights of up to 30 feet. The sheer volume of material and strong winds presented significant challenges for firefighters. Initial containment efforts focused on preventing the fire's spread to nearby neighborhoods.

State of Emergency Declared

Due to the scale of the incident and the need for additional resources, the Jenks City Council voted to approve a state of emergency on March 25th. Mayor Cory Box emphasized that this declaration was crucial for attracting necessary attention and resources from state and federal agencies, enabling the city to act swiftly without lengthy approval processes.

Challenges and Response Efforts

Fighting the mulch fire proved exceptionally difficult due to the lack of nearby fire hydrants, necessitating a shuttle system for water delivery. Fire Chief Greg Ostrum noted that the fire burned down through the pile, requiring constant movement and soaking of material. The operation involved numerous fire departments from across Oklahoma, as well as assistance from Florida and Louisiana forestry services. Over 6 million gallons of water were ultimately used to extinguish the blaze, with crews working tirelessly for several days.

Health and Environmental Concerns

While the fire itself was composed of organic material like leaves, the resulting smoke raised health concerns for nearby residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions. An air quality health advisory was issued for surrounding counties. Authorities assured the public that the fire did not involve toxic chemicals, but advised vulnerable individuals to stay indoors and utilize air purifiers. The city also distributed N95 masks to residents.

Key Takeaways

• A large-scale mulch fire at Gem Dirt in Jenks required a significant, multi-agency response.

• A state of emergency was declared to secure additional resources and attention.

• Water supply limitations and the sheer volume of burning material presented major challenges.

• Smoke from the fire impacted local air quality and raised health concerns.

• The fire was officially extinguished on March 28th after extensive efforts.

Aftermath and Future Prevention

Following the successful extinguishment, Jenks officials expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort. Mayor Box stressed the importance of developing plans to prevent similar incidents in the future, referring to the Gem Dirt site as a "giant tinder box" that needs to be addressed to ensure community safety.

Sources

• Jenks Fire & Rescue Warns of Smoke Hazards on Highway 75 Amid Ongoing Fire, News on 6.

• Jenks City Council approves State of Emergency due to Gem Dirt mulch fire, KJRH.

• Jenks Fire contains 30-foot mulch fire | News, fox23.com.

• Jenks Fire Chief releases update on Gem Dirt fire | News, fox23.com.

• Gem Dirt fire completely out, says Jenks Fire Department, KJRH.