FROM GARFIELD COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

We were lucky again yesterday to have an extremely efficient rural fire network. The fire north of Covington, in my opinion should have never occurred. RED FLAG WARNING, HIGH WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY. THESE INGREDIENTS MEAN “NO BURNING”!!! That’s all I will say about that. It took 8 fire departments, at least 20 apparatus and about 40-45 personnel, but in about 3 hours were able to snuff this fire out. With some flames reaching up 40-60 feet, at times or more, it was a bit touchy but fire crews were finally able to stop the forward movement of the fire in 30 mph hour winds.  This said, when there is a large fire, DO NOT BECOME A “LOOKIE LOU”. We need space to maneuver big trucks on narrow roads and many folks get in the way.  It could be toxic for you breathing in that smoke. We have the equipment to protect ourselves under those conditions; you usually don’t and can become a victim real quick. Just stay out of the area and hopefully everyone will be ok. Enough of my early morning rant.

Weatherwise, a front will push into the area this morning cooling us off a little. No precip is expected but winds initially will be strong out of the north and taper off as the day wears on.  Again, as yesterday, if you see smoke or fire call 911.  Here is your forecast from the NWS/NORMAN;

Saturday-Sunny, with a high near 47. South southwest wind 8 to 18 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Saturday Night-Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. North northeast wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light east northeast after midnight.

STAY SAFE, HAVE A GREAT DAY, AND “HAPPY NEW YEAR” TONIGHT!!

MIKE

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