Jenks Triumphs Over Massive Mulch Fire at Gem Dirt Facility

Jenks, Oklahoma recently faced a significant challenge as a massive mulch fire erupted at the Gem Dirt facility, requiring a multi-agency response and a declared state of emergency. The blaze, which began on March 17, 2025, posed health concerns due to smoke and tested the limits of local firefighting resources, ultimately consuming millions of gallons of water before being extinguished.

Jenks Battles Persistent Mulch Fire at Gem Dirt Facility

Jenks Fire Department was alerted to the blaze at Gem Dirt, located near 96th Street and 33rd West Avenue, on March 17, 2025, around 3:30 p.m. The fire involved a compost pile approximately 500 by 100 yards and 30 feet high. Initial efforts focused on containing the fire to the Gem Dirt property, preventing its spread to nearby neighborhoods despite strong winds.

Challenges in Combating the Blaze

Firefighters faced numerous obstacles in extinguishing the deep-seated mulch fire:

• Material Volume: The sheer quantity of dry, piled-up organic material allowed the fire to burn deep within the pile.

• Wind Conditions: High winds exacerbated the situation by pushing smoke across Highway 75, creating hazardous driving conditions, and spreading embers.

• Water Supply: The closest fire hydrant was 2,000 feet away, necessitating a water shuttle operation using tank trucks. Over 6 million gallons of water were eventually used, equivalent to the entire city of Jenks' daily water consumption.

• Resource Strain: Widespread wildfires across Oklahoma had already taxed state resources, making it difficult to secure immediate assistance.

Health and Safety Concerns

The prolonged fire led to significant smoke production, raising health concerns for residents. While Jenks Fire Chief Greg Ostrum confirmed the material was organic and not producing toxic chemicals, the smoke still posed risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues.

• Visibility Hazards: Smoke significantly reduced visibility on Highway 75, prompting warnings from Jenks Fire and Rescue.

• Respiratory Impact: Residents, especially those with conditions like asthma or COPD, experienced exacerbated symptoms. The Jenks Fire Department distributed N95 masks to the community.

• Air Quality Monitoring: The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) monitored air quality, though their primary monitor in Glenpool did not detect significant issues. DEQ did recommend on-site air monitoring to Gem Dirt.

Declaration of Emergency and Multi-Agency Response

On March 25, the Jenks City Council approved a state of emergency declaration. This crucial step allowed the city to:

• Access additional state and federal resources.

• Expedite spending and initiate contracts for fire suppression efforts.

• Elevate the issue to state attention, including the Governor's office.

The declaration facilitated a massive multi-agency response, including:

• Fire Departments: Jenks, Tulsa, Glenpool, Sapulpa, Bixby, Chelsea, Limestone, Stone Bluff, Coweta, Verdigris, Catoosa, Porter, Wilson, Whitehorn Cove, Rolling Hills, Tullahasse, Liberty, Schulter, Kiefer, Washington County, Oak Grove, Dewar, Toppers, Wagoner, and Blackdog.

• Emergency Management: Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TAEMA), Creek County Emergency Management, Okmulgee County Emergency Management, Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, and Wagoner County Emergency Management.

• Forestry Services: Oklahoma Forestry Service, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and Florida Forest Service.

• Other Agencies: Tulsa Health Department, Tulsa Department of Environmental Quality, Oklahoma Mining Commission, American Red Cross, Jenks Public Works Department, and various county and state officials.

Extinguishment and Future Prevention

After more than a week of continuous effort, the fire was officially extinguished on Thursday, March 27, at 6:30 p.m. The final push involved a coordinated effort of dozers turning material and fire engines applying large volumes of water, reaching a peak flow of 250,000 gallons per hour. Jenks Fire Chief Greg Ostrum lauded the unprecedented collaboration and dedication of all personnel involved.

Looking ahead, Mayor Cory Box emphasized the need for a plan to prevent similar incidents, stating, "We need to make sure this Gem Dirt area never happens again... We owe it to our residents."

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.