FIRES Update on Resources and Information

Monday finds us closely watching fire weather reports – humidity levels and wind speeds. Those who lost everything are in shock and recovery mode, and the rest of us are also compassionately reaching out to our neighbors in the community who lost it all.

The article will be updated as more helpful information is available.

DONATIONS

Luther Community Service Center. Donate your gently used or new household goods, cleaning supplies, clothes, and cash to this long-time Luther service, which offers them freely to fire victims and others in need. It is located on Ash and First Streets, next to the Luther Fire Department. Give secure online donations here.

Luther Fire Department. 110 S Ash, Luther, OK

Our volunteer fire force appreciates the community outpouring. If you feel led to help support them, here are some things that might prompt an idea:
Water and Sports Drinks: To keep firefighters hydrated during long calls.
Snacks and Non-Perishable Food: For sustained energy during extended operations.
Gift Cards: For local hardware stores, gas stations, restaurants, or grocery stores.
Hydration Packs: For firefighters working long hours in hot conditions.
Disinfectants and Cleaning Wipes: For sanitizing equipment and facilities.
Soap and Shower Supplies: For firefighters to clean up after calls.
Battery Chargers: For phones or other equipment.
Cash Donations. This is the Venmo account (@Luther-Fire) for the department (not connected to the Town). You can also deposit funds into the Luther Firefighters Club account at BancFirst, last four numbers of the account are 9750. Luther BancFirst is located at 19280 OK-66, Luther, OK 73054.

GoFundMe
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management shared a list of verified GoFundMe fundraisers to help fire loss victims, including some families located in Luther, including the DeFurias.

SHELTER

American Red Cross Shelter at the Luther Community Center (separate from the Service Center), at 18120 Hogack Road. You can access these services even if you don’t need a place to sleep; anyone with a disaster-related need can visit the shelter to learn about available resources. Everyone is welcome at a Red Cross shelter, and all disaster assistance is free.

The Red Cross continues to work with emergency management officials to understand and meet communities’ needs. If you need assistance, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) 24 hours a day. During large disasters, it can take time to connect with all impacted communities. Calling this toll-free number can help us and other relief organizations provide support to those who need it.

FIRE OUTLOOK

You’ve heard about the Oklahoma Forestry Service providing help at fires across the state, including locally with 13 OFS staff on the Hickory Hills Fire tasked to “hold and improve lines, secure the fire’s edge, mop up, and patrol for containment.” They are coordinating with local FDs and preparing to support local Initial Attack, if needed.

OFS Communications and Outreach Manager Keith Merckx said the forestry service is gearing up for a return of fire weather this week that could, especially today and tomorrow, be dire. “Perhaps not the conditions we saw on Friday but not far off either. My intent is not to alarm anyone but it would be a disservice for us to sugarcoat the situation.

“The work of assisting the heroes in these smaller departments that often times consist of volunteers who are doing this because they are high-quality individuals serving their communities because it is the right thing to do,” he said.

From Oklahoma Forestry Service Outlook Report (Monday am, 3.17.25)

Statewide Discussion: While State, Local and Federal fire crews made significant progress (Sunday) improving containment on many of the current wildfires in Oklahoma, the state is entering another period of extreme fire danger as fuels that have been subjected to very strong drying conditions leading to increasing resistance to control. Critical to extreme fire weather indices through Friday will support fire growth on existing fire challenging control lines and new wildfire occurrence is expected to be heavy taxing the already heavy commitment of incident response resources. A Dry Return Flow weather pattern today over critically dry fuels will very likely lead to heavy initial attack coupled with high probability of new large wildfire occurrence. Ahead of a dry cold front overnight Tuesday, the number of wildfires on the landscape will present very challenging firefighting conditions coupled with yet another high probability day for Wildfire Outbreak in western and central Oklahoma. OFS currently has resources committed to 39 wildfires.

If you have a question, or want to provide a resource, please let me help or try to get the information. TEXT: 405-888-9946.

STATEMENTS

Oklahoma County Commissioner Myles Davidson posted the following on Monday, 2:

Rep. Jim Shaw: Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, issued the following statement in response to the devastating wildfires that swept through House District 32 late last week, forcing evacuations, destroying homes, and leaving many without power.

“The wildfires that tore through our communities last week have left a trail of destruction and heartbreak. My heart goes out to all those affected, including the Ferguson family, who suffered an unimaginable loss. Allen Ferguson, a beloved youth wrestling coach in Chandler, tragically lost his life while trying to save his son, Will, who remains in critical condition. Allen was a hero, and his dedication to his family and our community will never be forgotten.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the first responders, firefighters, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to protect lives and property. Our community’s resilience and generosity have been evident in the way neighbors have come together to support one another in this time of crisis.

My prayers are with all those who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. In the face of such devastation, our community’s strength and compassion continue to shine. We will stand together to support those in need as we begin the long road to recovery.

My office is available to help connect those affected by the fires with resources and support. We will continue working with state and local officials to assist in recovery efforts as our communities rebuild.”

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