• Cynthia (Cindy) Fuller

Oklahoma Wildfire Activity & Response Continues

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (August 6, 2012) – Wildfires have now burned over 93,000 acres in Oklahoma since last Friday.  A statewide Burn Ban is in effect along with a State of Emergency for all 77 counties.   The Salvation Army has provided over 2,300 meals, 4,285 drinks and 2,480 snacks to responders and those impacted by the wildfires. The Army is assisting with the immediate and short-term needs of fire survivors, while also addressing the needs of emergency personnel as they continue fighting the ongoing fires.

The Salvation Army is also working in cooperation with Oklahoma Emergency Management and multiple non-profit and governmental agencies to offer assistance to all residents impacted by the various wildfires at designated Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC).  Disaster Social Services personnel from the impacted areas are providing emergency financial assistance to those households who seek assistance at the center. 

The Salvation Army is committed to providing emergency assistance as well as emotional and spiritual care to survivors.  We will continue to meet the needs of those families and individuals impacted by these disasters as long as we have the resources to do so.

Wildfire Response

Cleveland County –– The fire is contained and responders remain on site monitoring for hot spots.  The Central Oklahoma Area Command provided breakfast to first responders this morning and served lunch in conjunction with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. 

The Salvation Army will be participating in MARC in Noble to provide emergency assistance and information to individuals affected by the wildfire.  The center is located at 12 Points Baptist Church, 15601 East Etowah Road, Noble, OK.  The center will open on Tuesday, August 7 beginning at Noon and remain open until 8 PM.  The hours for Wednesday through Friday will be 10 AM until 7 PM.  

Creek County – Due to the generous donations of the public, Tulsa Area Command was able to deliver a pallet of Gatorade, cases of water, and snacks to the Incident Command Post near Mannford, OK where firefighters and emergency personnel continue their tireless efforts.  They also coordinated delivery of ice to the site.

Oklahoma County – The Salvation Army is participating in MARC to provide emergency assistance and information to individuals affected by the wildfire.  The center is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Luther High School Auditorium located at 178th & Luther Road.   

Payne County – The Salvation Army of Stillwater will be participating in MARC in Glencoe to provide emergency assistance and information to individuals affected by the wildfire.  The Center is located at the United Methodist Church, 113 South Perry Avenue, Glencoe, OK.   The center will open on Tuesday, August 7 beginning at Noon and remain open until 8 PM. 

Pittsburg County – The Salvation Army of McAlester is on site at the McAlester Lake fire providing meals, snacks and hydrations to responders on the scene.

Financial donations are needed to support disaster relief efforts.  The best way to help fire survivors and rescue workers is to make a financial contribution.

Call:  1-800-SAL-ARMY

Online:  disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
  (There is a banner at the top to click on to Donate Now to Oklahoma Fire Relief Efforts)

Mail:       The Salvation Army
                Attn:  Oklahoma Wildfires
                PO Box 12600
                Oklahoma City, OK  73157

Monetary donations will ensure The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by disaster.  The Salvation Army is very grateful to the public for its support to help those in need.