An Edgewater firefighter died Sunday in Comanche County as unpredictable wildfires raced across the county, trapping firefighters and forcing evacuations.
Firefighters from 14 agencies scrambled to put the fire down around Lake Ellsworth. April Partridge, 55, of the Edgewater Volunteer Fire Department got separated from her vehicle and died. KWTV reported both Partridge and her son serve as firefighters and were working the fire.
The wildfires sprung up north of Lawton, and they spread to the point where Emergency Management officials ordered a mandatory evacuation for homes and businesses in the area.
The day’s fires proved problematic for other departments, as well.
Hulen Volunteer Fire Department described the hectic day during which a member of its department was burned when fire overtook his position. In addition, one fire engine traveling in the thick smoke ran into the back of the department’s tanker truck.
The Hulen Volunteer Fire Department said a Facebook update:
“Folks every department when we go on these fires hopes everyone comes home but we know the consequences so please keep all firefighters in you prayers. Most all of us in your community are volunteers that have a passion for helping others before ourselves.”
Here’s a compilation of just some of the fire video our trackers got from across the state today. @valcastor @PastranoTom pic.twitter.com/D4qa4a1JML
— Cassie (@CassieHeiter) March 21, 2022
