Edmond's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been a hub of activity as firefighters battle weather-induced blazes. With dry conditions and strong wind gusts of up to 70 mph sweeping through the region, last Friday posed a strenuous test of the city's emergency preparedness. According to a statement from Chad Weaver, Interim Fire Chief/Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, the Edmond Fire Department coordinated closely with local emergency and police departments to quickly establish the EOC.

The operation was necessary as the fire department was called to swiftly respond to 19 fires between 12:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the critical day of March 14. In the ensuing hours, they were tasked to tirelessly attend to a total of 32 fires in the area. While the city witnessed the loss of some vehicles, it was fortunate enough to not have to report the loss of any structures within its limits, Weaver confirmed, as reported by the City of Edmond. The effort also stretched to nearby areas like Luther and Deer Creek, where firefighters managed to save multiple structures from the encroaching flames.

Amid the chaos, the fire department amplified its staff and rolled out all of its available units to fend off the fires. The arsenal included 8 engines, 3 tankers, 6 brush pumpers, 1 ladder truck, and 3 command vehicles. The high state of readiness was indicative of the severity that these fire conditions represented to the community's safety.

The ongoing danger prompted the EOC to be reactivated yesterday at 9 a.m. as fire conditions remained severe. The city remains on high alert, with six engines, six brush pumpers, a ladder truck, and one command vehicle actively ready to serve and protect the Edmond community, as per the fire department's update.