FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6, 2016
Governor Mary
Fallin Expands State of Emergency to 10 Additional Counties Due
to Wildfires, Critical Fire Conditions
OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary
Fallin today amended an executive order
to declare a state of emergency for 10 additional counties due to ongoing
wildfires and critical fire weather conditions.
The executive order was amended to include the following
counties: Alfalfa, Blaine, Creek, Dewey,
Garfield, Grant, Harper, Logan, Major and Woodward. The governor last week issued an executive
order that covered Woods County.
What began as four separate fires
merged Wednesday into one large wildfire in Woodward County. Firefighting
task forces, heavy equipment and large air tankers are being used to suppress the
fire, which with the aid of high winds has burned more than 55,000 acres.
Under the executive
order, state agencies can make emergency purchases and acquisitions needed to
expedite the delivery of resources to local jurisdictions. It
is also the first step toward seeking federal aid for affected farmers and
ranchers should it be necessary.
Fallin also signed a companion executive
order, which waives certain size and weight restrictions for vehicles that
will be needed to move emergency response equipment and supplies to affected
areas.
Both executive orders are
in effect for 30 days, and could be amended to include additional counties if
needed.
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