Officials with the New Cordell Fire Department announced Wednesday evening that the evacuation order issued earlier in the day has been lifted. The department said fire crews have gained control of the wildfire that forced residents in the western part of town to leave their homes.
Firefighters Contain the Blaze
According to the fire department, crews arrived on the scene shortly after the fire was reported and worked through the afternoon to suppress the flames. By late evening, the incident command reported that the fire was “under control” and that crews were transitioning to mop‑up and cleanup operations.
Residents who were asked to evacuate from the area west of State Highway 183 and south of the Co‑op on State Highway 152 were notified that the situation had improved. The department posted a message on its social media channels stating, “We are all clear,” and urged anyone who had left to return home safely.
What Residents Need to Know
While the immediate danger has passed, the fire department reminded the community that smoke and ash may still be present in the area. Residents are encouraged to keep windows closed, use air filters if available, and watch for any lingering hot spots that could reignite.
Anyone who noticed damage to property, downed power lines, or other hazards should report them to the New Cordell Fire Department at the non‑emergency line. The department will continue to monitor the perimeter of the fire for any flare‑ups over the next 24‑48 hours.
Community Response
Neighbors expressed relief that the evacuation order was lifted quickly. “We were worried about our pets and our belongings,” said one resident who stayed with relatives during the evacuation. “It’s good to see the fire crews working hard and getting the fire under control so fast.”
The fire department also thanked volunteers who assisted with traffic control and helped distribute information to affected families. Their cooperation helped keep the evacuation orderly and minimized disruption to daily life.
Looking Ahead
Local officials plan to hold a brief briefing for the public tomorrow morning to review the cause of the fire and discuss steps the community can take to reduce wildfire risk in the future. The briefing will include recommendations on defensible space, proper vegetation management, and how to prepare an evacuation plan.
New Cordell residents are urged to stay informed through the fire department’s official channels and to follow any future instructions should conditions change.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.