By AP
Oklahoma City, OK – Fallin urges wildfire preparedness in Okla.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Gov. Mary Fallin has declared this week Wildfire Preparedness Week in Oklahoma and is urging families to be prepared amid tinder dry conditions across the state.
Firefighters and insurance industry officials are launching an initiative on Thursday to help prepare families living in areas where wild lands and urban areas meet for the threat of wildfires.
Oklahoma Forestry Services Fire Chief Mark Goeller says five deaths have been linked to wildfires in Oklahoma this year, along with the destruction of thousands of acres and hundreds of homes. Federal forecasters predict the drought in Oklahoma will continue for several months.
Officials urge Oklahomans in fire-vulnerable areas to have a disaster plan in place for their family and business, pay attention to local reports of wildfires and be prepared to leave.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.