Western Comanche County fire consumes almost 1,000 acres

INDIAHOMA — After operations finished battling a weekend fire near Indiahoma Saturday, officials said almost 1,000 total acres of land was lost and other damages reported.

The fire began around 4:45 p.m. Friday and Indiahoma’s volunteer firefighters responded to the area of U.S. 62 and Big Bow Road where they found the fast-moving fire moving north and called for additional resources, according to Alana Pack, deputy director for Comanche County – Lawton Emergency Management. The fire then moved onto the federal Fort Sill land. Operations continued into Saturday.

The Comanche County side lost 80 acres of grassland and approximately 893 acres were burned on the Fort Sill side for a combined 973 acres burned, according to Pack.

Emergency Management completed its preliminary damage assessments with the Oaks Addition and the following totals of damage were gathered, Pack said.

• Three residential structures sustained damage with one home a complete loss and two residential structures suffering minor damage due to fire exposure.

• Ten outbuildings, including: barns, sheds, car ports and Connex containers; sustained minor to major damage.

• Six vehicles, including a motor home and a front-end loader, sustained major damage or were a complete loss.

• Two electrical meters were damaged.

In total, 25 agencies responded to the incident, including 83 personnel and 49 pieces of firefighting apparatus, Pack said. No injuries were reported.

“Great job by the Indiahoma Fire Department and all of the departments who showed up to assist,” she said. “This fire is a great reminder of how quickly fire can spread in dry conditions and the impact it can have on our community.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Comanche County remains in a burn ban until Sept. 30.

Pack said all outdoor burning is prohibited with limited exceptions for grilling and welding. Just because there’s been moisture doesn’t mean to let up on diligence.

“We have received rain, but it’s not enough to reverse current drought conditions,” she said. “Please be mindful of throwing out lit cigarettes and check your trailer chains to ensure no sparks occur which can start a fire.”