Jenks Firefighters Conquer Monumental Gem Dirt Mulch Fire

The Jenks Fire Department has officially declared the Gem Dirt mulch fire extinguished after a prolonged battle that began on March 17th. The massive blaze, which at its peak reached 30 feet high, required a multi-agency response involving over 150 firefighters from across the state and even from Louisiana and Florida. The fire presented unique challenges due to the sheer volume of material and limited water access, prompting the city to declare a state of emergency to secure necessary resources.

A Challenging Battle Against a Monumental Blaze

The fire ignited in a large compost pile at Gem Dirt, covering an area approximately 500 yards by 100 yards and reaching a height of 30 feet. Initial containment efforts were hampered by strong winds and the sheer scale of the material, which made it difficult to fully extinguish. Fire Chief Greg Ostrum noted that the nature of mulch fires means that as burnt material is removed, underlying layers are exposed to oxygen, reigniting the blaze. This created a continuous battle until the material could be properly managed and soaked.

• Initial Response: Firefighters worked to contain the fire to the Gem Dirt property, preventing it from spreading to nearby neighborhoods.

• Resource Strain: The fire taxed state resources, as other parts of Oklahoma were also experiencing significant wildfire activity.

• Water Supply Issues: A major challenge was the distance to the nearest fire hydrant, necessitating a complex water shuttle operation using numerous tanker trucks.

State of Emergency Declared for Additional Resources

To address the escalating situation and secure vital 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 drawing attention and accessing aid from state and federal agencies. The emergency status allowed the city to expedite the acquisition of necessary equipment and personnel without lengthy approval processes. This was the first state of emergency declared in Jenks since the 2019 floods.

Multi-Agency Collaboration and Final Push

The successful extinguishment of the fire was the result of a massive collaborative effort. Over 150 firefighters, including specialized crews from Louisiana and Florida, worked tirelessly. The operational plan was revised multiple times, with a significant increase in water flow being key to progress. By the final days, approximately 6 million gallons of water were pumped onto the fire, with all water being delivered via a relay system. Fire dozers were also employed to turn and soak the material, ensuring no hotspots remained.

Health and Environmental Concerns

While the fire itself was composed of organic material with no concerns of toxic chemicals, the smoke posed a significant issue for residents with respiratory conditions. An air quality health advisory was issued for surrounding counties. The Jenks Fire Department provided N95 masks to residents to help mitigate the effects of the smoke. The long-term lesson learned from this incident is the need for preventative measures to avoid similar large-scale fires in the future.

Sources

• Jenks Fire Department declares Gem Dirt Fire extinguished, 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.