MANNFORD, Okla. — The City of Mannford gave an update on recovery efforts one week after wildfires raged through the area.
Mayor Clay Abercrombie said this is one of the most challenging moments since the wildfires of 2012 and the most significant damage path since the April 29, 1984 tornado.
Twenty-nine homes were a complete loss. Fire and high winds led to the loss of seven power poles and several transformers.
Sixteen gas meters were destroyed. Automation controls at the water treatment plant were also affected.
In just the last week, however, the city replaced those automatic controls with manual ones to continue service. Since last Friday, 98% of power is restored in the town. All of the gas meters were fixed as well.
Mayor Abercrombie also thanked the churches stepping up to help.
After wildfires destroyed many homes in Mannford one week ago, people donated so much clothing and other items to local churches that ones like Victory Mannford Church or the Methodist Church are no longer accepting those kinds of donations.
While VMC pastor Scott Larrison was thankful for all the support, he told 2 News on Friday what they need most right now is extra volunteers to sort through all that clothing at the first methodist church, where both churches are collaborating.
“We’ve gotten so much,” said Larrison. “But right now,… we’re in the sorting and then eventually the distribution phase.”
Also on the list are gift cards, money, and cleaning supplies for wildfire victims to use -- as well as extra boxes and box tape for volunteers to pack items into.
Likewise, the First Baptist Church no longer taking clothing donations. Nonetheless, they told 2 News they need big, rolloff dumpsters and financial donations.
While they will take volunteers, they said at this time, they aren’t requesting any.
If you’d like to help VMC and FMC, text Della from the Blessing Closet at (918) 221-1111 to let them know. To help out FBC, head to their website and click on “Online Giving.”
City leadership plans to pursue funding for brush removal. They also said they'll be working with local and federal partners to explore safe and responsible controlled burn options to reduce future fire risks.
The Mayor and Chairman Jeffrey Widener worked with the City Attorney to secure forgiveness of April 1 utility bills for Mannford utility customers directly affected by the fires.
Lastly, the Mayor reminded everyone who experienced damage or loss to report it at this link.
Whether you have insurance or not, reporting damage helps the city secure funds for recovery.
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