Red flag warnings force residents to immediately evacuate in face of rapidly-spreading wildfire

Pollution trapped in the atmosphere isn't just making the weather warmer — it's also exacerbating natural disasters, such as storms and wildfires. 

It is expected that wildfire seasons will only grow longer because of these changes, leading to increasingly severe fires.

That is already being felt in Oklahoma this year. 

In Dewey County, evacuation orders were issued in the face of a severe wildfire, The Oklahoman reported.

What's happening?

On March 22, firefighters responded to a fire between Vici and Camargo.

To keep residents safe, officials initiated an evacuation. 

Residents living between E680 Road and EW 69 in Camargo were asked to leave. 

For those who needed somewhere to shelter, the Vici Community Building in Vici and the Leedey Community Building in Leedey opened their doors to shelter evacuees.

Why is this concerning?

While the situation was dire, it did not come as a total surprise. 

The National Weather Service issued multiple fire warnings and red flag warnings throughout the state in the time leading up to the fire and following it.

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A large proportion of the state remained under a fire weather watch. 

The dry, windy conditions were the perfect setup for a wildfire, worsening the health risks of the smoke itself.

Not only was this fire alarming and destructive, it could also easily occur again. 

The Oklahoman maintains a fire map to track the risk and presence of fires in specific areas, including information about smoke and air quality.

What can be done to prevent wildfires?

Officials recommended several small changes and precautions that could prevent wildfires from occurring. 

A single spark in dry conditions can ignite a blaze, so preventing sparks is key. 

Experts advised against driving with a flat tire or dragging chains behind cars, both of which increase the risk of wildfires. 

They further recommended exercising caution around an open flame and when handling or discarding burning cigarettes.

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