2012 Oklahoma wildfires

2012 Oklahoma wildfires
Location Throughout Oklahoma
Coordinates 35°30′N 98°00′W / 35.5°N 98°W / 35.5; -98Coordinates: 35°30′N 98°00′W / 35.5°N 98°W / 35.5; -98
Statistics
Date(s) August 3, 2012 (2012-08-03) – Autumn 2012[1] (CDT (UTC-5))
Burned area 52,000 acres (81.25 sq mi; 21,040 ha)[2]
Cause Drought in the southern United States
Buildings
destroyed		 At least 121[3]
Injuries Unknown
Fatalities Unknown

The 2012 Oklahoma wildfires were a series of wildfires which impacted areas throughout the state of Oklahoma. Starting earlier in the year, a widespread drought caused many areas to be exposed to wildfires.[4][5]

Starting in early August, the wildfires burned at least 52,000 acres,[2] and destroyed at least 121 homes and businesses.[3] A wildfire near Luther in Central Oklahoma destroyed about 50 homes and other buildings before getting under control on August 4.[6] Governor of Oklahoma Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency on July 30 due to the drought and wildfires.[7]

Ongoing high winds have continued to affect Oklahoma. In Durant, high winds forced the Union Pacific Railroad to shut down one of their main railways through the town.[8] In late November, Oklahoma State University researchers said that the wildfires and the ongoing drought were responsible for over $400 million in damages, harvest loss, and livestock loss.[9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ USA Today (3 August 2012). "Wildfires burn Okla.; one suspected as arson". Tucson Citizen. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  2. 1 2 "52,000 acres burn in Oklahoma wildfires". UPI. 5 August 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  3. 1 2 "Towns' residents flee Oklahoma wildfires that have destroyed dozens of homes". NBC News. 4 August 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  4. ↑ "Current U.S. Drought Monitor". University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  5. ↑ Associated Press (4 August 2012). "Study by ‘global warming godfather’: Texas drought, Europe heat waves are climate change". The Washington Post. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  6. ↑ "Raging Oklahoma wildfires prompt evacuations". Fox News. 5 August 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  7. ↑ "Oklahoma Governor Declares State of Emergency Due to Drought". News 9 Oklahoma. 30 July 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  8. ↑ "Wildfire scorches secluded area near railroad tracks". Durant Daily Democrat. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2012.
  9. ↑ "Drought losses in Oklahoma top $400 million for 2012". CattleNetwork. 29 November 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2012.
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