Major Grass Fire During High Fire Danger Moment Near Guymon

Thursday afternoon at peak extreme fire weather time, Guymon Firefighters and other nearby Fire Departments responded to a large grass fire 6 miles west of Guymon on Hwy 54.
The 911 call came in at 5:37pm by motorist on Hwy 54. “Fire started on the north edge of the roadway and quickly spread towards the railroad right-of-way”, said Guymon Fire Chief Grant Wadley. At the time of this call, winds were sustained at 35mph with gusts at 52mph out of the southwest. Flames easily crossed the railroad and into open CRP pasture. Flame lengths greater than 30ft were observed. All trains were halted in this area during fire operations.
Firefighters with aid from County road maintainers were able to stop the head of the fire and keep the fire to approximately 100 acres burned. No injuries to Firefighters reported and no livestock were injured in this fire. The cause of the fire is suspected to be item(s) dragging or sparks from a passing vehicle. 2 homes within 2 miles of the fire were prepared for evacuation but were quickly deemed safe once control of the fire was maintained. Fire officials reported under control at 7:00pm. Firefighters remained on scene till near 10:45pm extinguishing hot and smoldering areas. 26 Fire units and 78 Firefighters responded in total.
Those responding to this fire were Goodwell, Guymon, Texhoma, Optima, Hough, Yarbrough, Hooker, Tyrone, and Hardesty Fire Departments from Texas County. Stratford, Texas FD, District #2 & #3 personnel and equipment, Oklahoma Forestry Service, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Texas County Sheriff Office, Guymon Police, Texas County Emergency Management, and several other private organizations.