The very good news is that old historic town center remained unscathed. But in other areas of the Park like the area near East Lake and the Route 49 Y and Big Rock Estates, weren't as lucky
By now you have read, heard or watched news about the fire. I am not here to give a complete report on the fire only to report on it as Park resident. My husband, myself, our dogs and our house are survivors. We live on Big Rock. At approximately 8:00PM Thursday Rod McKee, Medicine Park's, chief of police knocked on our door to tell us to evacuate NOW! Rod and his officers in fact went to every house with the same message. The fire was raging toward us emanating from Ft. Sill. We did just that, grabbing medicine, dogs, a change of clothes, cellphones, dog food and computer. As we ran out the door ashes were falling like snow. We left the rest behind, a life time of art, family treasures, collections and the like. It became a raging fire especially on Big Rock. Fire was on both sides of the roads. Houses were surrounded by fire. 25 different Fire Departments joined in the fight (approximately 200 firefighters), and it was a house to house fight. The temperature was 104º and wind gusting around 40. After we got the all clear to return to our house on Saturday morning, we stopped at the gas station. It happened that a Meers Volunteer Fire Department truck was there at the same time. We thanked them and found out they were part of the team that kept our house from burning down. It reminds us that Southwest Oklahoma and beyond are there for the little town of Medicine Park and vice-versa. When we spotted David McCoy, Medicine Park's Fire Chief we thanked him and the other MP Volunteers for the amazing work they had done.
Houses and trailers were lost but no lives. But so many more could have been lost if it wasn't for the firefighter's amazing work. As we took refuge at a home of friend we were constantly being informed of what was going on thanks to Lee Hibbetts and Candace McCoy coordinating the dispersal of information at Town Hall. Friends all over Park and Lawton kept us in the loop when they could. Visually Thursday night we could have sworn that nothing could have been saved on Big Rock, in fact all but 2 houses on the Rock were saved. Friday morning we got the news that our house was still standing. The land is charred on all sides, but nature, given enough rain, will bring it back to life.
Our hearts go out to those who lost their homes and want them to know your friends in the Park are there for you.
The very good news is that the center of the old historic town dating back to 1908 remained unscathed.
How you can help!I am personally asking you to send a contribution to your local Volunteer Fire Department. For Medicine Park Fire Department checks can be dropped off at Town Hall or you can mail them to
Medicine Park Fire Department, Medicine Park, OK 73557.
Carolyn Squyres Riley.... If you have anything to donate Clothing or household you can bring it to me and I will be sure Buster and Sandy get it . (Buster and Sandy lost their home in the FIre) They are trying to prepare a trailer and should get there in about a week. I'll find a place for the things until they are ready. Carolyn's phone is not working. Drop off items or email her.
The Baptist Church of Medicine Park is also taking donations that they will disperse to those needing assistance after losing their homes from the Fire.
