MANNFORD, Okla. — The threat of wildfires is high in Oklahoma as burn bans continue to go into effect across the state.
This is due to the dry conditions and lack of rain this October. Numerous fire departments preach fire safety and warn that fires can start without you knowing it.
2 News is keeping track of burn bans and conditions —> HERE
On October 27, fire engulfed three cars at the Indian Springs Sports Complex after fire crews said grass caught fire.
The owner of one of the cars sent 2 News photos of the aftermath.
Now, a family watching their kid play soccer is short a car. They're not alone in feeling the effects of these types of fires.
"We thought we were established. We had our stuff together, and then all of a sudden, we had to start with nothing. So yeah, it was devastating, and it's hard because you don't know how to tell the people that you love that they don't have a home to come home to," said Tina Frost.
In 2012, a wildfire in Mannford destroyed about 400 homes and businesses. The Frosts and their close relatives owned a few of those homes.
"In the dream, I can see that my house is gone, and I'm reliving the same day of coming home like I did when I was sixteen," said Mary Frost, Tina's daughter.
She's still feeling the loss of their home more than a decade after it burned.
"I did not think for 12 years that I would still cry about a house fire," Mary said.
While 12 years tried to erase that disaster with new growth, some areas still hold on to the memories.
That includes the foundation of Frost's grandmother's house that peeks out of their driveway.
As we walked around their property, we could see glimpses of what once was there. The family urges people to understand what a wildfire can do.
"Your decision to flip a cigarette out the window or to burn that barrel of trash that you have or whatever the reason that bond fire you wanted to have for the weekend. That one decision can affect someone's entire life," said Tina.
After talking with the Frosts, 2 News went to Broken Arrow Fire Station 7.
Coincidentally, Battalion Chief Jeremy Roberts fought the Mannford wildfire, assisting local crews 12 years ago.
"I mean, sometimes we were just hopping from house to house just to save the next house in line," said Roberts about the wildfire.
He said that was a difficult fire to fight, warning people to be smart. They've even expanded their force just in case a fire breaks out.
"So, with the enhanced fire conditions, we went ahead and staffed three of our brush trucks with extra personnel, so we have six additional people on duty today," said Roberts.
He said wildfires move quickly and are difficult to fight, urging that the conditions are right for these fires.
He also warned even if northeastern Oklahoma gets rain, it may not be enough to lift a burn ban.
The Frosts rebuilt along with their other family members, but even with a new beginning, they're still feeling the impact of the day that changed their lives.
NE Oklahoma counties with burn ban:
- Creek
- Tulsa
- Wagoner
- Adair
- Cherokee
- Mayes
- Rogers
- Delaware
- Ottawa
- Nowata
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