Local Departments Assist with Large Canadian Co. Grass Fire

CALUMET – Many local fire departments, including Geary’s, were called out last Tuesday to assist with a large grass fire burning in Canadian County near Calumet. Geary Fire Chief Jeff Choate told the Watonga Republican that the fire ultimately burned about 550 acres, threatened two houses and burned several outbuildings. His department was first called out on Tuesday, Nov. 23 about 1:30 p.m., and was on scene until 1:30 a.m. the following morning.

Firefighters responded for another nine hours on Wednesday to mop up rekindles, Choate said. The fire was centered on land about 1 mile east of the Cherokee Travel Mart.

The grass fire had ample fuel and was aided by high winds and the area’s recent dry spell. In addition to the Geary department, Choate said responding agencies included fire departments from Calumet, El Reno, Greenfield, Hinton, and Blaine and Custer counties.

Choate advised caution for locals while drought conditions persist. “My only advice would be, no unnecessary outdoor burning,” he said. “Be safe with what you do. Be cautious.”

He said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. “Very dry conditions right now, heavy fuel in that area. It doesn’t take much to get one started.”