01/19/2026
Cleora Fire Thanks Community After Large Hay Bale Fire; Highlights Winter Fire Safety
Cleora, Okla. — The Cleora Fire Department expressed deep gratitude Sunday for the collaborative response to a fire involving more than 300 bales of hay on Jan. 18, 2026. Emergency responders and community volunteers helped prevent the blaze from growing into a more catastrophic incident.
Cleora Fire officials extended thanks to Bernice Fire, Monkey Island Fire, Vinita Fire, Carselowey Fire, Ketchum Fire, Afton Fire, Mercy EMS, local law enforcement, dispatchers and all the farmers and farm hands who worked on the scene. Their combined efforts helped control the blaze and protect surrounding property and livestock.
“Without all these dedicated people helping with this fire, this could have been a lot worse,” Cleora Fire said in a statement.
Unplanned Fires and Winter Risks
Hay bale fires can escalate rapidly, fueled by dry conditions and the large amounts of combustible material involved. Fires like this are particularly challenging because tightly packed hay can retain internal heat that, under certain conditions, leads to self-heating or spontaneous combustion and can be aggravated by wind and low humidity.
Winter does not eliminate fire risk. In fact, fire departments nationwide see increased call volumes during winter months as people rely on heating sources and undertake outdoor activities that can inadvertently ignite nearby dry vegetation or stored materials.
Across Oklahoma, burn bans are an important tool used to reduce the incidence of uncontrolled fires. These bans are typically issued by county commissioners or the governor when weather conditions — such as drought, low humidity and elevated fire danger — create conditions where even small fires can spread quickly.
During a burn ban, open burning of brush, yard debris, and other materials is prohibited, and violations can carry fines of up to $500–$1,000 and potential jail time.
Officials encourage residents to check local burn-ban status before doing any outdoor burning. Even outside of an active ban, people are advised to take precautions, such as keeping ignition sources away from dry fuels and maintaining proper safety equipment.
Community Preparedness and Volunteer Support
Fire departments, especially in rural areas, depend heavily on volunteers. Community involvement — from trained firefighters to supportive neighbors providing resources or labor — can make a lifesaving difference during large incidents.
Cleora’s message underscores this reality: when unexpected emergencies arise, it truly does take a village. The collaborative response to the hay bale fire serves as a reminder of both the risks present year-round and the value of preparedness, cooperation and adherence to fire safety guidelines.
*For more information on local burn bans and fire safety in Oklahoma, visit the Oklahoma Forestry Services burn ban information portal.*
