Circle Mountain under evacuation amid wildfires, high winds

City firefighters began evacuating portions of Circle Mountain Friday afternoon as high winds swept wildfires through the area.

"All Washington County fire resources have been deployed to the area and several homes outside the Bartlesville city limits have been lost due to fires," City Manager Mike Bailey said. "Firefighters are battling unbelievable winds in an attempt to gain control of these fires. Evacuation of the area is underway."

Washington County Emergency Management Director Kary Cox said the southern portion of the addition is being evacuated.

"It's mostly the homes on the south end of East Mountain Road," Cox said.

He said additional resources have been requested to assist with the fires.

"We are hoping to receive word on that request soon," he said.

Firefighters said they expect to work through the night to control the fires. As of late afternoon, Highway 123 was closed due to smoke and fire.

Late Wednesday, the Oklahoma Forestry Service warned that very high to extreme fire danger would develop Friday and last for the next seven days.

"Oklahoma Forestry Services is urging Oklahomans to continue using extreme caution in the face of the strongest fire weather so far in 2023," it said in a news release.

“For at least the next week, OFS is encouraging Oklahomans to avoid activities that may spark a wildfire,” said State Forester Mark Goeller. “We have been fortunate so far this year in avoiding the number of fires seen in recent years and we hope this continues.”

The duration of Oklahoma’s current drought has limited the amount of fuel, such as grass and timber litter, although when coupled with the intensity of the forecasted fire weather, sufficient fuel is in place to worsen any fires that are sparked, the statement said.

Landowners who have been conducting beneficial prescribed fires in recent days are asked to ensure that these fires are thoroughly mopped up and patrolled to limit escape potential as the weather becomes warm, dry and windy, it said.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Circle Mountain under evacuation amid wildfires, high winds