Jenks Declares State of Emergency Amidst Persistent Mulch Fire Battle

Jenks has declared a state of emergency as firefighters continue to battle a massive, persistent mulch fire at Gem Dirt. The blaze, which started on March 17th, has required a multi-agency response involving crews from across Oklahoma and even other states. Residents have expressed concerns about the smoke and its impact on air quality and health.

Key Takeaways

• Jenks City Council approved a state of emergency declaration on March 25th to secure additional resources.

• The fire involved approximately 4.5 million cubic feet of mulch, making it a challenging and prolonged effort to extinguish.

• Initial containment was achieved, but the sheer volume of material and the need to move it to expose hot spots complicated firefighting efforts.

• Health officials stated the fire, composed of organic material like leaves, did not pose a risk of toxic chemicals, though smoke could exacerbate respiratory conditions.

• The fire was officially declared extinguished on March 28th after extensive water application and material management.

The Battle Against the Blaze

The mulch fire at Gem Dirt presented significant challenges from the outset. Jenks Fire Chief Greg Ostrum noted that strong winds and a lack of immediate access to sufficient water, with the nearest hydrant 2000 feet away, hampered initial efforts. Firefighting required a shuttle system to transport water to the site, with millions of gallons ultimately used.

Crews from multiple agencies, including Tulsa, Sapulpa, and Glenpool, provided assistance. The scale of the fire necessitated bringing in specialized forestry services from Florida and Louisiana, who were already in the region assisting with wildfire response. The strategy involved not just containing the fire but actively moving and dousing the burning material, a process that was expected to take several days.

Residents Voice Concerns Amidst Smoke

Neighbors living near the Gem Dirt facility expressed significant distress due to the persistent smoke and ash. Many reported that the smoke infiltrated their homes, cars, and outdoor spaces, causing discomfort and exacerbating respiratory issues like asthma. While health officials assured the public that the fire itself was not releasing toxic chemicals, they advised individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions to stay indoors and utilize N95 masks when venturing outside.

Declaration of Emergency and Resource Mobilization

The declaration of a state of emergency by the Jenks City Council was a crucial step in mobilizing the necessary resources. Mayor Cory Box emphasized that this declaration would draw greater attention to the situation and allow the city to access state and federal aid more efficiently. It also provided the authority to expedite contracts and spending without lengthy approval processes, enabling a more robust response.

Extinguishing the Fire and Future Prevention

After days of intense effort, involving a coordinated push with increased water flow and the use of dozers to turn and soak the material, the fire was finally extinguished on March 28th. Fire Chief Ostrum expressed immense gratitude to all the personnel and agencies involved, highlighting the unprecedented scale and complexity of the operation. Looking ahead, city officials stressed the importance of developing plans to prevent similar large-scale fires in the future, recognizing the Gem Dirt site as a significant fire risk that needs to be addressed.

Sources

• 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.

• Fire and emergency crews battling Jenks mulch fire; residents concerned about smoke, News on 6.